The comparison group for this study was formed using administrative data. The group consisted of similar unemployed workers who lived in the same area and pursued state employment and training services during the same period. People in the two study conditions were matched on individual characteristics and employment history.
The study did not discuss a cost per participant or a comparison of costs and benefits.
Participants in the WRTP—Manufacturing Pathway enrolled between January 2010 and February 2012. Their outcomes were analyzed through the end of 2012.
The WRTP—Manufacturing Pathway intervention consisted of services focused on (1) promoting employment among people interested in developing technical skills in manufacturing and (2) connecting local builders and manufacturers with qualified employees. Participants were referred to appropriate services after completing an initial assessment of their workforce skills and job readiness. Services included the following:
- Education and training. Participants were offered academic tutoring and preparation services for apprenticeship exams, along with referrals to industry partners for occupational training. Participants who were deemed prepared for entry-level jobs could earn occupational certificates in skilled manufacturing trades.
- Job-search assistance. Participants were offered help with job searches concurrent with education and training services.
- Apprenticeships and career-advancement training. Participants who found mid-level jobs in manufacturing and obtained an occupational certification were offered career-advancement training in specialized apprenticeship programs. These additional services were designed to further skill development and promote career progression.
The study did not discuss any tools to measure fidelity to the intervention model.
The National Fund for Workforce Solutions partially funded the Milwaukee Area Workforce Funding Alliance. Private and public organizations provided additional funding. A one-time grant from the Social Innovation Fund, awarded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, supported the Milwaukee Area Workforce Funding Alliance and funded the study.
The WRTP—Manufacturing Pathway was delivered in Milwaukee, WI.
The WRTP—Manufacturing Pathway was implemented by the WRTP, a regional partnership of employers, unions, workers, government organizations, community organizations, and training providers. The WRTP received support from the Milwaukee Area Workforce Funding Alliance. The WRTP’s activities were implemented by Urban Strategies, a private firm providing research, facilitation, training, and project management for community and workforce development.
The WRTP involved a variety of regional partners, including the following:
- The Construction Management Council, a construction trade association
- Wisconsin’s Joint Apprenticeship Board, a government organization
- The Milwaukee Workforce Investment Board, a government organization
- The Milwaukee Community Service Corps, a community organization
- The Milwaukee YMCA, a community organization
Several community organizations provided training, including the following:
- The Milwaukee Christian Center
- The Northcott Neighborhood House
Local private employers provided information about their workforce and industry training needs. These employers included the following:
- Pieper Electric, Inc.
- Michaels
- CD Smith Construction
- Langer Roofing and Sheet Metal
The WRTP—Manufacturing Pathway served workers who were unemployed in the Milwaukee area. Many participants had prior employment in the manufacturing industry. In the treatment and comparison groups, 84 percent of participants were male. Over half were Black or African American (58 percent), 29 percent were White, and 8 percent were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Over three-quarters had a high school diploma or GED (79 percent), and 2 percent held an associate’s degree or had attended some college. Almost half of participants were under age 35 (41 percent).
The study did not specify the duration of service receipt or number and type of services received by participants.
The study did not include information on the number of staff or their training, degrees, or certifications.