Weekly Roundup of the news on women and supportive services in job training programs.
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.
May 24, 2016
Brookings: Employment and disconnection among teens and young adults: The role of place, race, and education
The following analysis and related interactive examine employment trends among teens aged 16–19 and young adults aged 20–24, and compares these groups with adults aged 25–54—those typically considered to be in their prime working years.
[…] Research suggests that youth employment programs with the following characteristics are most effective: They develop strong links between education, training, and the job market; focus on promoting healthy youth development; provide support services to address challenges such as childcare and transportation; offer opportunities for paid work closely aligned with or integrated into the program, and provide continuous support after job placement and program exit.
May 21, 2016
Florida Times-Union: ‘Hand up’: Jacksonville’s FreshMinistries connects people with ‘myriad of needs’ to services
When people in need seek employment assistance at FreshMinistries, the nonprofit’s own 10-week hospitality and certified nurse assistant training programs and a computer lab for job searches are among the options they are offered.
When they seek other kinds of job training, social and family services, financial literacy, youth programs, medical and mental health care, substance abuse treatment and educational opportunities — or all of the above — FreshMinistries’ Donell Neal provides guidance and a reassuring hand.
Neal runs the newly revived Direct Connect service at the nonprofit’s Weaver Center for Community Outreach near Jacksonville’s downtown sports complex. The free program connects low-income people with a range of services, some that are provided on site, others via referrals to other agencies.
May 20, 2016
The Philadelphia Tribune: Local Agencies Present Job Training Program
Philadelphia Works, the city’s Workforce Development Board, in collaboration with The Workplace, launched “Platform to Employment,” (P2E) a job training program for long-term unemployed (27 weeks or longer) residents of Philadelphia, at the PA CareerLink® Northwest Philadelphia Center, on May 11.
[…]“Platform to Employment aligns very closely with our federally-mandated directive to engage dislocated workers and those with barriers to employment. By providing a more comprehensive ‘wraparound’ approach to training and support, P2E significantly raises placement and retention rates, which ultimately benefits both the employer and career seeker with long-term, permanent employment.”
May 18, 2016
Your West Valley: Maricopa County, Surprise partner to support working low income families
Income eligible parents in Surprise and El Mirage will soon have access to a pilot program called Strengthening Working Families, which combines opportunities for workforce development training, childcare support and rental and utility assistance. The program, being piloted by the city of Surprise and Maricopa County, leverages Federal and State funds to support families in need by providing access to and coordination of the following services:
Workforce Development – Arizona@Work Maricopa County: Parents can participate in a free short-term job training program to enter a new career path or advance in their current career. Parents must meet income eligibility requirements and have children under the age of 5.
Child Care – Head Start/Early Head Start Partnerships: Head Start services will fill the child care need for eligible parents who are engaged in the program’s employment education and training activities. The child care will be provided at no cost.
Service Coordination – Community Action Program of Surprise: CAP of Surprise will provide long-term case management and service coordination to program participants. Parents will have a single point of contact to help them navigate through services that aim to support their efforts to increase their self-sufficiency as they improve work skills and increase income.
To view more of IWPR’s research, visit IWPR.org
