Job readiness

Level
child

Partners for a Competitive Workforce: Advanced Manufacturing Partnership

As part of the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, participants worked with a case manager to complete short-term training aligned with their employment and education goals to prepare for and secure in-demand, advanced manufacturing jobs. These jobs included team assembler, electromechanical maintenance technician, welder, computer numerical control operator, and bioscience or pharmaceutical technician.

Maximum Customer Choice (as compared with Structured Customer Choice)

Maximum Customer Choice participants could request counseling from program staff to guide them to appropriate training selections, but they did not automatically receive counseling. Participants received an individual training account in the amount of $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the program site. Most Maximum Customer Choice participants requested counseling and completed counseling and training program selection in five sessions. Then, participants engaged in their selected training program for an average of 18 weeks.

Guided Customer Choice (as compared with Structured Customer Choice)

Guided Customer Choice was designed to broadly represent the approach that most local areas were implementing on their own under WIA. Participants in Guided Customer Choice had to complete six mandatory counseling activities to select a training program and then had to assess whether they had enough resources to complete the training. Counselors were directed to help customers make an informed decision about training. However, counselors did not direct participants toward particular occupations, and participants could independently select their training program.

Guided Customer Choice (as compared with Maximum Customer Choice)

Guided Customer Choice was designed to broadly represent the approach that most local areas were implementing on their own under WIA. Participants in Guided Customer Choice had to complete six mandatory counseling activities to help them select a training program and then had to assess whether they had enough resources to complete the training. Counselors were directed to help customers make an informed decision about training. However, counselors did not direct participants toward particular occupations, and participants could independently select their training program.

Breaking Barriers

Intervention (standard name)

Breaking Barriers followed the IPS model by assigning employment specialists to help participants set career goals and search for a job. Employment specialists maintained relationships with local employers, which they used to connect participants to potential job opportunities. After participants found employment, specialists provided as-needed, customized support (such as counseling or transportation assistance). This follow-along support did not have a time limit. Participants were involved in the program for an average of 10 months.

Towards Employment WorkAdvance Program

Intervention (standard name)

The WorkAdvance model includes five key elements: (1) intensive screening before enrollment; (2) preemployment and work-readiness services, including career coaching, supportive services, and labor market information, all tailored to a specific occupational sector; (3) occupational skills training focused on current job openings; (4) job development and placement; and (5) provision of follow-up retention and advancement services in collaboration with employers. It is a versatile model that organizations implement in various ways.

St Nick’s Alliance WorkAdvance Program

Intervention (standard name)

The WorkAdvance model includes five key elements: (1) intensive screening before enrollment; (2) preemployment and work-readiness services, including career coaching, supportive services, and labor market information, all tailored to a specific occupational sector; (3) occupational skills training focused on current job openings; (4) job development and placement; and (5) provision of follow-up retention and advancement services in collaboration with employers. It is a versatile model that organizations implement in various ways.

Madison Strategies Group WorkAdvance Program

Intervention (standard name)

The WorkAdvance model includes five key elements: (1) intensive screening before enrollment; (2) preemployment and work-readiness services, including career coaching, supportive services, and labor market information, all tailored to a specific vocational sector; (3) occupational skills training focused on current job openings; (4) job development and placement; and (5) provision of follow-up retention services in collaboration with employers. It is a versatile model that organizations implement in various ways.

Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership Manufacturing Pathway

Participants in the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership—Manufacturing Pathway received services and training to prepare for and advance in a career in the manufacturing sector. Training included job readiness training to improve personal and professional skills, occupational training that provided certificates in specific trades, and apprenticeships. Services included tutoring, job search assistance, and job referrals to partner employers in the manufacturing industry. Participants were individuals who were unemployed and who expressed interest in careers in manufacturing.

Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership Construction Pathway

Participants in the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership—Construction Pathway received services and training to prepare for a career in the construction sector. Training included pre-apprenticeship programs to help them gain construction skills occupational training that provided certificates in specific trades, and apprenticeships. Services included tutoring, job search assistance, and job referrals to partner employers in the construction industry. Participants were unemployed individuals who expressed interest in careers in construction.