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Work Experience and Work-Based Learning

Introduction

Work experience and work-based learning are two related strategies for helping people with low incomes improve employment and earnings outcomes. Work experience and work-based learning could include paid or unpaid work or learning experiences in a work setting, such as internships or community service jobs. Because interventions providing work experience are a subset of work and work-based learning interventions, this Evidence Snapshot summarizes the evidence on both of these types of interventions.

Accelerated Training for Illinois Manufacturing (ATIM) Program

ATIM case managers helped participants develop training plans to help them achieve their employment and career advancement goals. ATIM provided access to trainings, including basic skills training, occupational training focused on manufacturing and safety, and on-the-job training. Manufacturing safety training modules lasted 1 to 12 weeks, and participants could receive on-the-job training during internships lasting about 3 to 4 weeks. On average, participants completed the program in five months.

Jobs-First Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) Program

The Jobs-First GAIN program began with a six-hour motivational meeting followed by job clubs, which were classroom sessions focused on participants’ job application techniques and a supervised job search. Participants were encouraged to take any job offer received, including low-wage positions. Job clubs lasted three weeks, but further job development services were available until the recipient found work, exited the welfare system, or both. Jobs-First GAIN focused on AFDC recipients. The Jobs-First GAIN evaluation took place in Los Angeles County, CA.