What Happened?
Cities are launching a variety of workforce development programs that help struggling populations overcome specific challenges standing in the way of employment.
Gary
The Urban League of Northwest Indiana recently awarded Gary, Indiana, with a $120,000 grant to create a program to help residents with criminal records acquire the skills to land well-paid jobs or start their own businesses. The grant will be used to pilot a Gary 4 Jobs program, which is designed to spur job-readiness through extensive training opportunities.
The Gary 4 Jobs initiative is comprised of two training focus areas:
- How to Start a Business
- Securing Employment in Lawncare or Landscaping
Gary is simultaneously working to eliminate blight in the community and is increasing efforts to beautify public areas. Thus, participants in the workforce development pilot program will help groom overgrown public spaces and receive training in landscaping-specific skills including:
- Mowing
- Edging
- Hedge maintenance
- Weeding
The participants will also take classes teaching employment skills, lessons on how to start a business, mock job interviews and a local job fair. The participants must have a criminal record to gain access to the training sessions. The goal is to support a population that struggles to be hired for jobs due to past experiences.
Virginia Peninsula
VersAbility Resources and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula recently received a $100,000 grant from the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation in support of a workforce development program for at-risk and disabled youth. The goal of the Ready 2 Work program is to offer an intensive summer workforce training program to more than 60 youth in the Peninsula that may struggle to find employment, Daily Press reported.
With the passage of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, came increased emphasis on the delivery of employment and training systems that meet the specific needs of a diverse workforce. For individuals with disabilities, programs created under the WIA provide more targeted resources and training to better overcome employment barriers such as:
- Individualized assessments that build on the concept of self-determination
- Access to mentoring and youth services
- Coordinated involvement of vocational rehabilitation
- Customized job training and career support services
Not only do WIA compliant programs expand the resources available to youth with disabilities as they transition into adulthood, but they also create a more inclusive system that can accommodate a variety of employee needs efficiently.
Hackney
In the UK, the WeAreDotDotDot online platform is growing in popularity with youth interested in increasing their tech skills. The WeAreDotDotDot initiative is designed to connect young people in East London with digital learning programs and job networking opportunities to ensure future professionals are equipped with the skills to fill in-demand roles.
Throughout London, the number of tech companies setting up shop is on the rise. These startups and small companies are looking for talented youth with specific tech skills to support growth and innovation. These companies are collaborating with WeAreDotDotDot to create the coursework and training offered through the platform, as well as apprenticeship opportunities that provide hands-on, real world experience for participants.
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