Introduction to the Workforce Development System

1. Introduction to the Workforce Development System Developed by the Chicago Jobs Council Delivered by the Supportive Housing Providers Association

2. Agenda • Introductions • What is the Workforce Development System? • Program Models / Services for Job Seekers • Funding Sources • Challenges and Opportunities

3. What is the Workforce Development System?

4. What is the Workforce Development System? • Assists disadvantaged individuals prepare for, find, and remain engaged in employment • Network of community-based organizations, training providers, and other institutions • Funded by a variety of sources

5. Workforce Development: Intersections with Other Systems • Community Colleges • Adult Education (Literacy, ESL, GED prep) • Economic Development • Human Services

6. Who does the Workforce Development system serve? • Youth (in-school and out-of-school) • People with criminal records • Public housing residents • Veterans • Homeless individuals • TANF recipients • Unemployment Insurance recipients • Individuals with limited English proficiency • Low-wage incumbent workers

7. Program Models / Services for Job Seekers

8. Transitional Jobs (TJ) Programs • Aimed at individuals with limited labor market experience (i.e. ex-offenders, public housing residents, older youth) • Time-limited, wage paying (subsidized) employment • Real work experience • Extensive support services and case management • Job readiness/ soft skills • Assistance transitioning to unsubsidized employment

9. Transitional Jobs (TJ) Programs • Types of TJ Program Models • Individual placement • Work crews • Social enterprise

10. “Bridge” Educational Strategies • Goal: increase education levels of individuals so they can succeed in post-secondary education and/or career path employment • Remedial instruction beginning at low literacy / numeracy levels, contextualized to an occupation • No dedicated funding stream or program- Adult Basic Education, WIA Title I, Community Development Block Grant, private funding braiding of several funding sources

11. “Bridge” Educational Strategies • Definition adopted by Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) • 3 main “bridge” program components • Components are mandatory; without one it’s not a “bridge” program

12. Illinois Definition of Bridge Program: 3 Core Elements • Contextualized instruction that integrates basic reading, math, and language skills with occupational knowledge • Career Development that includes career exploration, career planning, and understanding of the world of work. • Transition Services that provide students with the information and assistance they need to successfully navigate the process of moving from adult education to credit or occupational programs.

13. Bridge programs in the field • Successful bridge programs can be offered by a range of entities • Community based organizations • Community colleges • Partnerships between CBOs and community colleges

14. Sector-based Training • Training developed in conjunction with an employer to ensure it meets industry standards • Designed to prepare participants for particular occupations within a high demand industry • Chicago has focused on manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and hospitality (among others)

15. Employment Prep & Placement • Basic workplace skills • Communication and problem solving skills • Resume and cover letter writing • Interviewing skills • Basic computer skills • Job search and placement assistance • Potential referral to sector training program • Follow up services to ensure employment retention

16. Adult Basic Education (ABE) • Provides basic education services to adults • English as a Second Language • Literacy • GED preparation • Contextualized ABE a part of bridge programs • Recently there has been increased conversation about enhancing linkage between these services and workforce development

17. Support Services • Transportation • Child care • Dependent care • Housing • Access to voicemail • Clothing / uniforms • Legal assistance • State ID • Obtain criminal record • GED registration fee • Licensing fee / exams • Glasses • Books / materials for training • Referrals to other social services

18. Workforce Development Funding Sources

19. Workforce Investment Act(WIA) Title I

20. Workforce Investment Act(WIA) Title I • Dual customer: job seeker and employer • Serves low-income adults, low-income youth, & dislocated workers • Performance outcomes: job placement, job retention, wages, attainment of degree/certificate, literacy & numeracy gains

21. Eligibility and Suitability • Adult: 18 years and older; low-income (very) • Dislocated Worker: unemployed and unlikely to return to occupation; received a layoff notice or have been laid off due to a company closure or mass layoff; self employed but currently unemployed • Youth: 16-21 years; low-income; barrier(s) to employment • Suitability: May be referred to appropriate educational entity, bridge program, other workforce development program, or social service agency upon assessment

22. Types of WIA Services • Universal: general orientation, eligibility assessment, job search activities, basic workshops, labor market information • Intensive: job readiness skills, comprehensive assessment, individual employment plan, workshops on interviewing, resumes, job search • Training: industry-specific occupational training, Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) • Must be suitable and eligible for WIA program to access intensive and training services.

23. WIA Network • # Workforce Centers (aka one-stops) • # Affiliate Agencies http://www.ildceo.net/dceo/bureaus/workforce_development/warn/warn_lwia+regions.htm

24. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) • Uses related to workforce development • Source of flexible funding for training and job placement services (both TANF recipients and non-recipients) • Pipeline into employment & training services for low-income parents • Access to services is through Family Community Resource Centers (run by IDHS)

25. Workforce Development Resources cjc.net wire.cjc.net ilworks4 future.org greencollar chicago.org

26. Questions? Contact information Lore Baker Executive Director, SHPA l.baker@shpa-il.org 217-528-9814 Johnna Lowe Resident Education & Advocacy Coordinator, SHPA j.lowe@shpa-il.org 312-202-0256

27. Thanks!