Stepping Forward Works A United Way of Franklin County Workforce Development Program

Identified Community Need: *Information based on the most recent census: 20% of the population has an education beyond high school 37% of individuals 16 and older do not hold a full time position 42% of the Chambersburg School District is on free or reduced lunches, followed by Fannett-Metal with 39%, Tuscarora with 35%, and Greencastle and Waynesboro with 31% Frustrated employers unable to fill positions

Employer Demand for a Better Mouse Trap Employers Need: Candidates who can pass a drug test Employee perseverance/ desire to learn Reliable attendance Appropriate communication and soft skills

Individual Experience With Job Market Individuals Need: Trust in their community and employer Job stability- family sustaining wage/benefits The opportunity to make mistakes and learn An introduction to workplace culture and expectation Tools to meet workplace expectation A network of supports (resources, educational and emotional)

Stepping Forward Works is… Modeled after an evidenced based program called Cincinnati Works designed by David Phillips and still successful after 22 years Program is based on trust and support Once a member, always a member Serves two clients: the employer and the individual

Recruitment: Candidates and Employers Program Partners and Community Agencies Newspaper articles- calls from Grandma Word of mouth Chamber of Commerce Partnership Staffing Agencies Employer Visits- United Way friends and committee members

3 Strikes and You Are Out …(of the current class) Ground Rules 3 Strikes and You Are Out …(of the current class) Must not miss class Must not be late for class Must not disrupt other participants Must be respectful of instructors, guests and other participants Must be respectful of property (in location and of other members)

How SFW Works 6-8 weeks of study toward Industry Recognized Certification (future programming may extend times) Industry and Community Volunteer Instruction- Interwoven through Curriculum Soft skill development Financial stability and planning Evaluation of opportunities Honest conversations and accountability Wrap around resources explored and connected Tried and Tested Employer Partnerships

Lessons Learned What Worked What Didn’t work Focusing on the chronically unemployed and the underemployed Thorough interview to determine actual needs prior to training Training multi-generations together Having business leaders and HR specialist provide training components Accepting individuals in the program when someone else signed them up Thinking everyone could improve if they participated in the program Having companies fund the program once it was proven Our first run with mentors Offering advanced classes

Stepping Forward Works Data

Next Steps Forward Increase the class offerings (Available Certifications) Engage alumni in a more active role Continue looking for new industry buy-in