Weekly Roundup of the news on women and supportive services in job training programs.

By Asha DuMonthier

Job training can provide an entry into family-sustaining jobs and careers. Many women in job training programs, however, face obstacles to success. Wraparound services—such as child care assistance, access to public benefits, and transportation or housing assistance—can help adults, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities, to complete programs that will ultimately improve their economic standing.


April 19, 2016

Capital & Main: Women Convicts Train for a Future

Before Legend’s visit, In the Public Interest joined with the National Employment Law Project (NELP) to release a new report to bring attention to how unions are creating job training programs nationwide to help people coming out of prison. Programs like Washington’s own Trades Related Apprenticeship Coaching (TRAC) program prepare prisoners and the formerly incarcerated for one of the most difficult parts of reentering society, finding work.

[…] Washington Corrections Center for Women’s TRAC program trains incarcerated women in building and construction work, providing a leg up in earning entry into a union apprenticeship program that leads to a career with good wages and benefits.

Columbus Underground: Job Training Service Provides Bridge to Competitive Employment

Greenleaf, a Columbus job training facility targeting veterans, individuals with learning disabilities, and others “who face significant barriers to employment,” will launch their Community Work HABits program this year.

[…] Filling in that gap includes training in soft work skills, like how to interact with colleagues and how to adjust to a work environment. People in training will also learn the day to day tasks that accompany independence, like budget planning, navigating public transportation, and actively seeking out employment.

April 15, 2016

Prior Lake American: Back to school for South Korea native

A lot can get in the way of getting an education. During the May 2015-March 2016 period at the GED course, a total of 23 students attended and four passed at least one of the four GED tests. Six students showed level gains from their assessment at the start of the class. Some of those students didn’t attend often enough to accurately assess their progress. The Prior Lake-Savage site offers free childcare in the building for students who need it, but even then it can be hard to find the time and transportation required to complete the course.

ConstructionEquipmentGuide.com: Baker, Polito Announce Workforce Skills Capital Grants

NECAT [New England Center for Arts and Technology, Boston] will deepen its capacity to provide culinary training and support services to low-income adults facing barriers to employment, by purchasing several pieces of equipment, including kitchen appliances and computers.


To view more of IWPR’s research, visit IWPR.org