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Study Name
Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership Manufacturing Pathway
Study Sharepoint ID
26712.04
Evaluation name
Quasi-Experimental Impact Study of NFWS/SIF Workforce Partnership Programs
Strength of Evidence Tag
Reason for the Rating

This study received a moderate study quality rating because it is a quasi-experimental design that establishes that the intervention and comparison groups are similar at baseline and adjusts impact estimates to account for any minor differences in the gro

This study received a moderate study quality rating because it is a quasi-experimental design that establishes that the intervention and comparison groups are similar at baseline and adjusts impact estimates to account for any minor differences in the groups.

Populations targeted
Settings in which the intervention was studied
Characteristics
Percent female
16.00
Percent Male
84.00
Percent Any postsecondary education
2.00
Percent No high school diploma or GED
21.00
Percent With a high school diploma or GED
79.00
Percent Unemployed
100.00
Percent Black or African American
58.00
Percent Hispanic or Latino of any race
8.00
Percent White not Hispanic
29.00
Percent unknown race
5.00
Group formation formatted

Unemployed workers and other job seekers interested in manufacturing careers were enrolled in the program; however, workers who were employed at enrollment were excluded from the study. Participants enrolled from January 2010 to February 2012. Using propensity score matching, evaluators found a comparison group of similar unemployed workers who were located in the same area and pursued state employment and training services during the same period. Individuals in the two study conditions were matched on individual characteristics and employment history. The program enrolled 88 unemployed participants, who were matched with 35,482 possible comparison group members. The analysis excluded 2 participants who did not have a match in the comparison group, for a total of 86 participants and 19,844 comparison group members.

Study timing formatted

Participants enrolled from January 2010 to February 2012. Their outcomes were analyzed through the end of 2012.

Study funding formatted

A National Fund for Workforce Solutions grant from the Social Innovation Fund funded the study.

Sample Characteristics

The majority of the participants in the study were male (84 percent), Black (58 percent), and had at least a high school diploma or higher education (79 percent). About 41 percent of the participants were younger than age 35. All participants were unemployed at the time of program entry.

Implementing organization formatted

Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership, a regional partnership of employers, unions, and workers, as well as government organizations, community organizations, and training providers.

Program history

The program was established in 1992.

Treatment condition formatted

Unemployed workers interested in manufacturing careers could receive a variety of trainings and services based on a needs assessment. The program offered tutoring, pre-apprenticeship training, occupational training (certificates in trades such as machinists, operating engineers, sheet metal workers, steamfitters, and welders), and apprenticeships, as well as job search assistance and referrals to partner employers.

Comparison condition formatted

Unemployed workers in the comparison group could receive state employment and training services from the Wisconsin employment exchange agency.

Mandatory services formatted

None

Timing of study formatted

The study does not specify the duration of service receipt.

Program funding formatted

The program was funded through a National Fund for Workforce Solutions grant from the Social Innovation Fund in addition to other public and private sources.

Setting details formatted

Milwaukee, WI

Secondary domains examined

None

Earliest publication year
2016
Most recent publication year
2016
Manuscripts
Check edits flag
No
Primary Service
Occupational or sectoral training
Enrollment Period
June 2015 to July 2017