The Work Opportunity Networks to Develop Employment Readiness (WONDER) program provided industry-specific training and subsidized employment in one of four service tracks (construction, culinary arts, manufacturing, job placement services) in addition to job placement assistance, job readiness assistance, intensive case management, support services and existing state SNAP employment and training services. Participants first met with an outreach specialist for an intensive intake and assessment process to develop an individualized career plan and select one of the four program tracks. Participants could also be referred to other providers for assistance with expunging criminal records or financial literacy education.
Participants received services for 4-5 months, on average, with at least weekly contact with a case manager. The construction track provided pre-apprenticeship training with 2-3 weeks of classroom training and 2-3 weeks of field training before entering employment or apprenticeship. The culinary arts training consisted of 12 weeks of classroom and hands-on training and 25 weeks of post-program wraparound services. The manufacturing track included self-directed certified production training followed by placement in an entry-level position for a 90-day trial period after completing certification. The job placement services track worked with job placement specialists to build job skills and readiness.
The program targeted all SNAP participants in the state of Delaware.
The Work Opportunity Networks to Develop Employment Readiness (WONDER) program provided industry-specific training and subsidized employment in one of four service tracks (construction, culinary arts, manufacturing, job placement services) in addition to job placement assistance, job readiness assistance, intensive case management, support services and existing state SNAP employment and training services.