FastTRAC Bridge Training A New Approach

Current State of FastTRAC Bridge Training  A region waits for grant money to be used to implement a FastTRAC program or any training involved with it  Once a program is scheduled all partners begin outreach and marketing to fill the class with the “hopes” of filling all the slots  Bridge or Pre-training classes are primarly seat-based  Classes are devoted to introducing training-based vocabulary, brushing up on literacy, math, and computer skills  Classes vary in length and precede the integrated class

Introduction of Pre-training or Bridge Component That Includes:  Checklist of required activities customized to your specific needs and utilizing resources in your region to be complete prior to beginning integrated training program.  Use of Online material to address deficits (after assessments).  Supplemental face to face instruction by the ABE program as needed to support online materials.  Used with individuals having adequate skills to participate.

CheckList: Pre-Health Care Prep Program Leading to FastTRAC Health Care Training*  Assessments Reading (we use CASAS as a cut score) Math Computer- North Star Digital Literacy assessment Assignments given in each of these areas to address needs  Orientation: How to use websites (group or individual options) Learner Web Mindquest (Used for students going into post- secondary/college) Skills Tutor Tier 3 (used to address Soft Skills))  Health Care Content: Online content for health care career preparation (LearnerWeb) Pre-CNA Computer Medical Office  **Financial Education Class: Research shows individuals with personal financial knowledge make better employees Classes offered monthly in our community Certificate of Completion Available free  Career Scope Assessment: sent to MN West Career aptitude test and results sent to client and to the ABE program *Checklist can be customized for your region, Employer needs, and include resources available to you.

Checklist: Utilizing WorkForce Resources  Minnesota Works On-Line Registration Online resume and job matching system Registration on-line at  Creative Job Search Registration Job search strategies workshop Register for workshops at seekers/workforce- centers/workshops/ seekers/workforce- centers/workshops/ Certificate of Completion  Create A Resume Resume and interview workshop Register for workshops at seekers/workforce- centers/workshops/ seekers/workforce- centers/workshops/ Have WorkForce review current resume for updates and modifications Place current resume on file Post resume on

ABE Tasks for Individuals Indicating Interest in This Career Pathway  ABE assesses the individual for reading, math, and computer skills  Encourage students to attend ABE classes if reading levels are low  Assign online content in reading, math, or computer skills to address individual deficiencies  Provide optional, supplemental, face to face services through ABE to support online content

ABE Tasks (continued)  Orientate students to: Learner Web Skills Tutor Tier 3 - addresses Soft Skills and is a product our Workforce system uses under BrainShark Mindquest - if student is college-bound  Share schedules of Financial Education Classes and information on how to access WorkForce Resources  Explain how the Career Scope aptitude test works  Have student complete the FastTRAC application and share contact information for the Navigator  Continue to monitor student’s progress and assure follow-up or assistance is made available to complete all items

Statistics Supporting the Bridge / Pre-Training Format:  Traditional format: 80% of students starting this process passed their CNA test  Bridge / Online Independent format: 97% of students starting this process passed their CNA test

Advantages to Online/Independent Bridge or Pre-Training:  Engages a customer immediately upon indicating interest in a Career Pathway  Allows an individual to complete activities or skill enhancement as it fits in their work/life schedule  Broadens the base of potential clients to attend integrated college class; we currently have difficulty communicating opportunities to this targeted population  Allows the individual to become more aware of resources and support available through the local Workforce Center  Allows each region to design or modify components of its Bridge/Pre- coursework to reflect needs and resources in their region  Provides evidence of commitment by individuals who must complete coursework before a program invests college tuition money into them  Teaches students to be more accountable for their own education

Advantages (continued)  Better prepares individuals to pursue their chosen career pathway…even if they self-pay the college tuition  Reduces cost of FastTRAC programing Less seat time/ instructor-led classes Allows an individual to make use of existing ABE classes to address skill deficits  Addresses individual skill needs of the customer, rather than having all students receive the same content  If this format is embraced, it would allow regions to support multiple needs and career tracks, even if it is not currently offered in that region. Access to numerous, online, independent career pathway formats allows each region to assist individuals in moving forward ********Moves this program in a more sustainable direction******

Letter from Employer (excerpt)  Letter provided to students completing the course  Can be attached to a student’s resume  Shows benefit of what we’re doing  This is who we serve! To Whom It May Concern: The old adage, “It’s tough to find good help these days”, is certainly true in our line of work. Greetings, my name is Jason W. Swanson, and I am currently the Executive Director at Prairie View Senior Living in Tracy, MN…The biggest trouble…has been the hiring of qualified staff as a Certified Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide…get them trained for the position, the cost, the travel and so forth has been a terrible burden… Two years ago I learned about a program called FastTRAC Health Care Training. FastTRAC is a training that is created through our Workforce, College, and Adult Education systems to assist individuals in entering needed jobs in our area. I have hired individuals off of this program and these have been among my best hires….Not only do they have the basic knowledge and certification required, but also the additional training of enhanced math in the context of the health care field, computer skills, employability and soft skill training and a personal financial education class. …If you are receiving this commendation with an applicant’s application, know this individual will serve you well.

Online Independent Format Wish List  Consider implementing in other regions as it applies to FastTRAC programing  Create a system to share lessons learned in implementing this format  Support others interested in implementing this format by those who find this successful in their programs  That regions working in other career pathways would help create content on Learner Web that introduces new vocabulary in the new pathway (similar to Pre-CNA)  Create a repository of newly created online content that can be used by any program or students in a particular pathway

Questions/Comments  If you have specific content to share available on the internet, on other pathways, or an online independent format please send to:  Nola Speiser  Julie Dincau  Pat Thomas