Using Technology to Bridge Skills Gap for Youth
The WorkPlace in Southwestern Connecticut has been operating programs for youth for over three decades with a mission to develop a competitive workforce. They offer job training programs like YouthWorks to address the needs of out-of-school youth, focusing on overcoming barriers such as basic skill deficiencies and homelessness. Challenges include keeping participants engaged due to immediate income needs and lack of reliable childcare. Leveraging technology can help in bridging the skills gap for these young individuals.
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Using Technology to Bridge the Skills Gap for Youth October 23, 2017 Presented by: Nestor Leon, Vice President of Operations, The WorkPlace David Buchholz, CEO, Workforce Ready Koncepts
The WorkPlace, Southwestern Connecticuts Workforce Development Board, has planned and operated programs that address the needs of 14-24 year olds for 32 years. The WorkPlace is a private, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) corporation that coordinates job training, employment, and educational services for 20 municipalities in Southwestern Connecticut. The WorkPlace
To develop a well-educated, well-trained, and self-sufficient workforce that can compete in the changing global marketplace. The WorkPlace is a convener, catalyst, and advocate for workforce development throughout the region, state, and nation. Our Mission
The WorkPlace offers 4 Job Training Programs for Youth: 1. YouthWorks 2. YouthBuild Bridgeport 3. Disability Employment Initiative for Youth 4. Platform to Employment for Youth Youth Programs
YouthWorks, our largest program, is a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) youth program. We serve about 300 participants each year. The program has transitioned over the past two years to primarily serve out of school youth as mandated by WIOA. WIOA brings challenges as well as opportunities for changes in our service delivery. Situation
Most of our out of school participants are between the ages 20-22. Many are disconnected from family and are living on their own. The most common barriers are basic skill deficiency, homelessness, and parenting. Employment is their primary goal; training is often secondary. Situation
Keeping participants engaged: The need to begin earning income immediately Resistance to lengthy training programs Lack of reliable childcare Unmet basic needs such as stable housing and unhealthy eating habits. Major Challenge
Digital Learning provides solutions With Digital Learning: Participants are more likely to stay engaged They can learn at their own pace They are not restricted to traditional classroom hours giving them the opportunity to work while they learn on their own terms An Innovative Solution
Workforce Ready Koncepts (WRK): Uses a customized Mobile Learning Platform to help job seekers build the skills necessary to increase their employment marketability. This Participatory Learning Process puts realistic workforce, school and home life scenarios into a forum for participants to interact in a group or work individually. Workforce Ready Koncepts
The WRK Ready program offers: 1. Job Readiness and Essential Workplace Skills training, GED Preparation, and post-secondary preparedness. 2. Web based mentoring to facilitate guidance, and support which improves participants critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 3. A comprehensive training model that delivers training, documents mentoring interactions, and tracks learning outcomes. Workforce Ready Koncepts
Participants receive an in person group orientation to go over the hardware, software, and project requirements. They receive a Windows 10 tablet with detachable keyboard, along with a filtered Wi-Fi hotspot and carrying case. Comprehensive online mentoring and technical support. Detailed instructional training to assist with key concepts. Workforce Ready Koncepts
Courses include: 1. Essential Workplace Skills i.e. effective communication, body language, time management and diversity. 2. Digital Literacy Microsoft Office 2016 including Word, Excel, and Power Point. 3. R sum Review participants can submit their r sum s for review before entering them in the CT Hires system. Workforce Ready Koncepts
To Date: Youth participants have taken an average of 16 courses while attending GED and Construction training. 71% have shown educational level gains in literacy and/or numeracy. JFES participants have completed over 24,000 courses representing an average of 121 per person. 87% of Platform to Employment participants have successfully completed courses and secured employment. 120 Health CareeRx Academy participants have completed 4,200 courses while taking healthcare training and/or working. Outcomes
Participant The program is very helpful. I use it during my free time to focus on my weak areas in interviewing and communication skills. It helps me to realize what I am doing wrong during an interview and shows me ways to fix my mistakes . - Keont C., YouthBuild Keont has completed Communications, Business Etiquette, Business Essentials, Microsoft Office Essentials, Resume Writing, Diversity and Business Acumen. Testimonies
Program Manager Workforce Ready Koncepts is a great resource to aid learning through technology. It gives students the opportunity to have an enhanced learning experience that works around their lives. As staff, WRK allows us to assign, and track students progress online. It offers an alternative learning option to our students. This is a collaboration that can work effectively towards virtual success. Carmen Nieves, Program Manager, YouthBuild Testimonies
The WorkPlace is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. YouthWorks is funded by the U. S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. YouthBuild Bridgeport is funded through the U.S. Department of Labor in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Coastal Fairfield County and Park City Communities. Summer Youth Earn and Learn Employment Program and the Disability Employment Initiative for Youth are funded by the State of Connecticut Department of Labor. Disclosures
Thank You! Nestor Leon Vice President of Operations The WorkPlace nleon@workplace.org David Buchholz Chief Executive Officer Workforce Ready Koncepts david@wrkready.com
