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Unemployed workers and other job seekers interested in construction careers were enrolled in the program; however, workers who were employed at enrollment were excluded from the study. Participants enrolled between January 2010 and 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 1,103 unemployed participants, who were matched with 35,482 possible comparison group members. The analysis excluded 12 participants who did not have a match in the comparison group, for a total of 1,091 participants and 29,491 comparison group members.
Participants enrolled from January 2010 to February 2012. Their outcomes were analyzed through the end of 2012.
A National Fund for Workforce Solutions grant from the Social Innovation Fund funded the study.
The majority of participants were male (91 percent) and had a high school diploma or higher education (83 percent). About 52 percent were younger than age 35. Thirty-nine percent were Black and 36 percent were White. All participants were unemployed at the time of program entry.
Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership, a regional partnership of employers, unions, and workers, as well as government organizations, community organizations, and training providers.
The program was established in 1992.
Unemployed workers interested in construction 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 bricklaying, carpentry, electrical work, labor, and painting), and apprenticeships, as well as job search assistance and referrals to partner employers.
Unemployed workers in the comparison group could receive state employment and training services from the Wisconsin employment exchange agency.
None
The study does not specify the duration of service receipt.
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.
Milwaukee, WI