1. Implementing Career Pathways: Tools and Resources
YouthBuild Federal Learning Exchange
April 9, 2013

2. Purpose To share information on career pathways
NOTES
Note that the text is programmed to automatically appear. All the bullets will appear all at once after a very brief delay.
To share information on career pathways
To promote career pathways as a successful strategy in the workforce investment system
To provide you with resources and tools to help develop career pathway systems in your local areas
EXPLAIN: We have three goals for today:
First, we would like to share with you some information on career pathways – what career pathways are and what their key elements are.
Second, we would like to promote career pathways as the best way to help unemployed adults gain new skills or new credentials that will help them not only get a job but also begin a career with family-sustaining earnings.
Third, we would like to share resources and tools that we hope will help state and local teams launch career pathway initiatives.
CONTINUE: As a by-product of this event, we hope that you will have the opportunity today to learn from each other and, even better, to broaden your network through the people you’re meeting here today.
Switch to the next slide.
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 2

3. Joint Letter of Support
NOTES
Note that the text is programmed to automatically appear. All the bullets will appear all at once after a very brief delay.
In April 2012, ED, HHS, and Labor issued a joint letter of support, urging the adoption of career pathways strategies and collaboration at the state and local levels to help citizens advance in the workforce
EXPLAIN: We have three goals for today:
First, we would like to share with you some information on career pathways – what career pathways are and what their key elements are.
Second, we would like to promote career pathways as the best way to help unemployed adults gain new skills or new credentials that will help them not only get a job but also begin a career with family-sustaining earnings.
Third, we would like to share resources and tools that we hope will help state and local teams launch career pathway initiatives.
CONTINUE: As a by-product of this event, we hope that you will have the opportunity today to learn from each other and, even better, to broaden your network through the people you’re meeting here today.
Switch to the next slide.
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 3

4. Definition of Career Pathways
Career Pathways have the goal of increasing an individual’s educational and skills attainment and employment outcomes.
Career Pathway Programs are a clear sequence of education coursework and/or training credentials that include several key components.

5. Characteristics of Career Pathways
NOTES
Note that the text is programmed to automatically appear. All the bullets will appear all at once after a very brief delay.
Sector-strategy
“Stackable” credentials
Contextualized learning
Accelerated/integrated education and training
Industry-recognized credentials
Multiple entry/exit points
Intensive supports
Flexible enough to meet needs of adults
EXPLAIN: We have three goals for today:
First, we would like to share with you some information on career pathways – what career pathways are and what their key elements are.
Second, we would like to promote career pathways as the best way to help unemployed adults gain new skills or new credentials that will help them not only get a job but also begin a career with family-sustaining earnings.
Third, we would like to share resources and tools that we hope will help state and local teams launch career pathway initiatives.
CONTINUE: As a by-product of this event, we hope that you will have the opportunity today to learn from each other and, even better, to broaden your network through the people you’re meeting here today.
Switch to the next slide.
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 5

6. Six Key Elements Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 6 NOTES
Note that the text is programmed to automatically appear. All the bullets will appear all at once after a very brief delay.
EXPLAIN: We have three goals for today:
First, we would like to share with you some information on career pathways – what career pathways are and what their key elements are.
Second, we would like to promote career pathways as the best way to help unemployed adults gain new skills or new credentials that will help them not only get a job but also begin a career with family-sustaining earnings.
Third, we would like to share resources and tools that we hope will help state and local teams launch career pathway initiatives.
CONTINUE: As a by-product of this event, we hope that you will have the opportunity today to learn from each other and, even better, to broaden your network through the people you’re meeting here today.
Switch to the next slide.
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 6

7. #1: Build Cross-Agency Partnerships and Clarify Roles
NOTES
Note that the text is programmed, so the main level bullet will automatically appear.
The sub-bullets will appear separately each time you hit page down, or hit arrow down, or click your mouse on the screen. This will allow you to control the timing of each bullet.
Key cross-agency partners at the local and state levels are engaged to participate in the initiative.
Local team is formed to design, pilot, launch, and grow a local or regional career pathway system.
Partners are invited to design, craft, and implement a shared vision.
State team supports the local team with administrative policies and legislation to aid in local implementation and statewide growth. Senior state and regional leaders visibly support the initiative.
SAY: It’s impossible for one agency alone to help unemployed adults overcome all the obstacles that keep them from completing post-secondary training and earning post- secondary credentials. In a comprehensive career pathway system, a diverse group of representatives from state and local public agencies, private and non-profit partners, and employers and members of the business community collaborate to design, craft, and implement a shared vision.
SHOW 1ST SUB-BULLET: Usually, a local team begins the effort by inviting partners. We believe that the best convener is the local Workforce Investment Board or WIB.
ASK: Give me examples of the types of partners you’d want to be involved in this initiative.
AFTER PROCESSING, CONTINUE: So, at a minimum, you must have education, employers, and workforce development represented. However, you’re more likely to succeed if you have CBO’s, TANF, and economic development partners at the table as well. The partnerships vary; for example, sometimes adult basic education is represented but not community colleges, and sometimes, it’s vice versa.
SHOW 2ND SUB-BULLET: Once they are formed, the partners work together to develop a shared vision.
SHOW 3RD SUB-BULLET: There should be overall support to the initiative from all levels. For example:
If the initiative began with a local team, state leadership support is needed, such as through the development of administrative and program policies and laws that support the implementation of career pathway systems at the local, regional, or state levels. These laws and policies should also support statewide growth, replication, and sustainability.
If the effort begins at the state level, the state team needs to be in close contact with the local WIB – to be aware of the local needs in combining programs. In Oregon and Wisconsin, for instance, there is a constant back and forth between the WIB and the state.
Naturally, it would be great if your supporters at the local, regional, or state levels are senior career or political leaders who provide vocal and visible support to your initiative.
Switch to the next slide.
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 7

8. #2: Identify Industry Sector and Engage Employers
NOTES
Note that the text is programmed, so the main level bullet will automatically appear.
The sub-bullets will appear separately each time you hit page down, or hit arrow down, or click your mouse on the screen. This will allow you to control the timing of each bullet.
Sectors and industries are selected and employers are engaged in the development of career pathways.
Determine labor market trends, skill development needs and opportunities, and employer preferences.
Select employers or industry representatives and plan how to pitch the initiative to them.
Plan how to work with employers in the different phases of the initiative (design, launch, operation, evaluation).
SAY: The second element is equally important. To succeed in launching a career pathway system, you’ll need to take a sector approach in engaging employers. That’s why the WIB’s and the workforce development system are so crucial in creating career pathways. They provide much needed help in making the pitch for employer support. There are some really good arguments, such as creating a talent pipeline, reducing turnovers, etc. In any case, identifying the sectors and industries involves the following:
SHOW FIRST SUB-BULLET AND SAY: First, you would need to conduct a gap analysis by looking at labor market trends:
What are the jobs for which employers cannot find workers? There’s your gap.
Which of these jobs could be filled by unemployed adults if they are properly trained and credentialed?
Which of these jobs could lead to long-term careers?
Which companies and industries have these jobs?
What do employers prefer? For example, what would they require of new hires at the entry level? In other words, what skills, abilities, education, and training would make for an ideal new hire for these employers?
SHOW SECOND SUB-BULLET AND SAY: Once you know what industry sectors to target, you’ll need to narrow the field down. Which specific companies or persons would you like to invite?
ASK: Can you think of specific persons – maybe industry leaders – whom you would love to have as part of your team? Why them?
Draw out some answers from the participants.
Respond appropriately.
CONTINUE: Then you would have to ask yourselves: How would I sell to these company and industry representatives the idea of participating in my initiative to develop career pathway systems that would give unemployed adults jobs and, eventually, careers in their company or industry? What’s in it for them?
SHOW THIRD SUB-BULLET AND SAY: You’ll also need to plan the involvement of these company and industry representatives throughout the initiative. What would you like them to do during the design, launch, operation, and evaluation phases? What time commitment would you ask of them? Do they themselves have to participate or can they designate someone from their organization to speak for them?
Switch to the next slide.
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 8

9. #3: Design Education and Training Programs
NOTES
Note that the text is programmed, so the main level bullet will automatically appear.
The sub-bullets will appear separately each time you hit page down, or hit arrow down, or click your mouse on the screen. This will allow you to control the timing of each bullet.
Career pathway programs provide a clear sequence of education courses and credentials that meet the skill needs of high-demand industries.
Provide a clear sequence of education courses and credentials that lead to postsecondary education/training and employment.
Design programs to accommodate individuals regardless of their skill level at the point of entry.
Design programs around high demand industries and career ladders that pay family-sustaining wages.
Support programs through state legislation and administrative policies for sustainability.
SAY: A clear program design is the 4th critical element of a career pathway system. This includes the following:
SHOW FIRST SUB-BULLET AND SAY: The program must clearly lead to postsecondary education or training AND to employment.
SHOW SECOND SUB-BULLET AND SAY: The program must be flexible enough to accommodate any person regardless of his or her skill level. An adult should be able to go to a pathway program starting from any point – high school, post high school, community college level, or even higher. In other words, the program should have multiple entry points and allow students to come in at the point that matches their own skill level.
SHOW THIRD SUB-BULLET AND SAY: The program must be designed around high demand industries, must provide opportunities for career ladders, and must pay family- sustaining wages.
ASK: Why high-demand industries?
ASK: Why career ladders?
ASK: Why family-sustaining wages?
SHOW FOURTH SUB-BULLET AND SAY: The program must be supported through state legislation and administrative policies. This will ensure that the program or system will endure. After all, career pathway systems take a lot of investment in time, effort, and money, and you don’t want to waste all that for something that will run only for a short time.
TRANSITION: A career pathway program must be designed to meet the needs of the unemployed adult participants and the employers for whom these participants are being trained. Here are some questions to which you will need answers.
Switch to the next slide.
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 9

10. #4: Identify Funding Needs & Sources
NOTES
Note that the text is programmed, so the main level bullet will automatically appear.
The sub-bullets will appear separately each time you hit page down, or hit arrow down, or click your mouse on the screen. This will allow you to control the timing of each bullet.
Necessary resources are raised and/or leveraged to develop and implement career pathway programs.
Identify resources needed to operate programs and core system components.
Program development
Professional development
Operating costs
Supportive services
Ensure state and local partners work together to raise and leverage funding from federal, state, local, and foundation sources.
SAY: Funding is the fifth critical element of career pathway systems. One of the primary functions of the career pathway team is identifying and drawing on a lot of funding sources. For example, most successful states – such as Oregon and Minnesota – have used WIA incentive dollars to fund career pathways. In addition, there are grant opportunities, career pathway innovation funds, and foundation grants. Although the workforce innovation fund has been eliminated, increasingly the career pathway approach is being used by different agencies as a funding focus.
SHOW 1ST SUB-BULLET AND SAY: The core components of a career pathway system are program development, professional development, operating costs, and supportive services.
SHOW 2ND SUB-BULLET AND SAY: You will also need to ensure that all your partners are working together to raise and leverage funding from federal, state, local, and foundation sources.
Switch to the next slide.
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 10

11. #5: Align Policies and Programs
NOTES
Note that the text is programmed, so the main level bullet will automatically appear.
The sub-bullets will appear separately each time you hit page down, or hit arrow down, or click your mouse on the screen. This will allow you to control the timing of each bullet.
Federal, state, and local legislation or administrative policies promote career pathway development and implementation.
Local and state partners identify key policy and program changes and actions needed.
Partners actively coordinate efforts across the region and/or state and establish formal procedures to institutionalize system change.
Agencies and programs collaborate to provide professional development across organizations and systems.
SAY: The sixth element of career pathway systems is policy and program alignment. Ideally, legislation and administrative policies must support and promote career pathway development and implementation. Sometimes, to support a career pathway program, the State may need to waive some performance requirements. Here are some examples:
In Illinois, there is a single statewide definition of bridge programs – which ones can be funded, which ones cannot be funded, and how to hold the program operators accountable. Is this single definition appropriate for every career pathway program, or is some accommodation needed?
How long can a career pathway participant be funded for workforce training under WIA?
What about the eligible training provider list? Is this aligned with career pathway efforts, so that the offerings of these training providers result in credentials recognized by industry?
What about a community college? For what training will a community college award academic credits? Sometimes, the college’s Board of Regents will need to be involved.
SHOW SUB-BULLETS AND SAY: The career pathway partners should identify the policy and program changes that may be needed as they develop their program. They should actively coordinate their efforts to achieve the changes that are needed – which may be challenging because it is difficult to institute policy changes.
SAY: To achieve policy and program alignment, there are a number of questions to ask.
Switch to the next slide.
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 11

12. #6: Measure System Change and Evaluate Performance
NOTES
Note that the title will automatically appear.
The bullets will appear separately each time you hit page down, or hit arrow down, or click your mouse on the screen. This will allow you to control the timing of each bullet.
Track effect of policy changes and program designs on participant outcomes
Arrange data-sharing agreements with key partners and employers, as appropriate
Design systems for sharing performance information to support continuous learning and improvement
SAY: Effective career pathways are not just programs but comprehensive systems. Systemic changes, especially at the policy level, are needed to meet the needs of unemployed or underemployed adults, as well as to respond to employers’ requirements for a well-trained and well-prepared workforce. Therefore, it’s important to measure system change and evaluate the performance of the pathway system. Washington State is tracking its I-Best students. Minnesota is grappling with the issue of tracking the participants in their statewide career pathway initiative.
SHOW 1ST BULLET AND SAY: Tracking the effects of policy changes and program designs on participant outcomes will give program operators invaluable information – not only to improve their career pathway programs or systems but also to generate greater interest among potential funding sources.
SHOW 2ND BULLET AND SAY: Partners, including employers, should agree on how to collect and share full, accurate, and timely data.
SHOW 3RD BULLET AND SAY: They must also design systems to share performance information, so they can continuously identify lessons learned and improve their programs to benefit program participants and their employers. It’s so important to have some way of knowing how their participants are doing – number of credits, retention, program completion, entered employment, salary, etc.
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 12

13. What do they look like? (Wisconsin)
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 13

14. Portland, OR – Computer Technology - http://www. pcc. edu/pathway/
Oregon has 180 pathways, or roadmaps, and every community college in the state is providing some level of career pathways programs.

15. Arkansas Career Pathways Initiative (CPI)
Arkansas Northeastern College
Career Cluster: Health Sciences
Career Pathways – Therapeutic Services (Nursing)
Labor Market Information from Department of Workforces Services
TEXT SLIDE
PRESENTER NAME HERE:
(Click to next slide)

16. Minnesota’s I-Seek Website - http://www. iseek

17. Career Pathways Tools & Resources
NOTES
Note that the text is programmed to automatically appear. All the bullets will appear all at once after a very brief delay.
- Joint Letter of Support from ETA/OVAE/HHS - Graphic Framework* - Implementing Career Pathways PowerPoint* - A Policy Guide for Career Pathways* -Webinars* - ETA Community of Practice - Adult Career Pathways Training and Support Center
- Readiness Assessment Tool*
- Service Mapping Tool*
- Career Pathways Road Map* -
- Credential Asset Mapping Tool*
- Occupational Credential Worksheet*
- Program Design Flow Chart*
- Guide to Adult Education for Work
- Funding Career Pathways and Career Pathway Bridges: A Federal Policy Toolkit - available for download at
Getting Started
Convening Partners
Getting Buy-In
Raising Awareness
Building It Out
EXPLAIN: We have three goals for today:
First, we would like to share with you some information on career pathways – what career pathways are and what their key elements are.
Second, we would like to promote career pathways as the best way to help unemployed adults gain new skills or new credentials that will help them not only get a job but also begin a career with family-sustaining earnings.
Third, we would like to share resources and tools that we hope will help state and local teams launch career pathway initiatives.
CONTINUE: As a by-product of this event, we hope that you will have the opportunity today to learn from each other and, even better, to broaden your network through the people you’re meeting here today.
Switch to the next slide.
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 17

18. https://learnwork.workforce3one.org Join over 10,000 members:
Career Pathways Community of Practice Web Site
NOTES
Note that the graphic will automatically appear.
SAY: Also an excellent resource for you is the “Career Pathways Community of Practice” web site, which has information and tools from the field on career pathways.
Switch to the next slide.

19. Career Pathways Toolkit
Learn More:
Career Pathways Toolkit
NOTES
Note that the graphic will automatically appear.
This Toolkit offers a clear and user‐friendly road map for
administrators, service providers, practitioners, and policy makers
seeking to develop career pathway systems at local, regional, and/or
state levels. It details the Six Key Elements Framework, highlights
promising practices, and provides tools designed to support visioning
and strategic planning.
SAY: Also an excellent resource for you is the “Career Pathways Community of Practice” web site, which has information and tools from the field on career pathways.
Switch to the next slide.

20. Policy Guide for Career Pathways: Roles for the Workforce Investment System
NOTES
Note that the text is programmed to automatically appear. All the bullets will appear all at once after a very brief delay.
ETA commissioned Jobs for the Future to create a policy guide to help the workforce system implement effective career pathways. “What Role Does the Workforce System Play in Career Pathways?”
Highlights practices of leading states and local areas engaged in building career pathways
Is available on the Career Pathways Community of Practice at
EXPLAIN: We have three goals for today:
First, we would like to share with you some information on career pathways – what career pathways are and what their key elements are.
Second, we would like to promote career pathways as the best way to help unemployed adults gain new skills or new credentials that will help them not only get a job but also begin a career with family-sustaining earnings.
Third, we would like to share resources and tools that we hope will help state and local teams launch career pathway initiatives.
CONTINUE: As a by-product of this event, we hope that you will have the opportunity today to learn from each other and, even better, to broaden your network through the people you’re meeting here today.
Switch to the next slide.
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 20

21. Career Pathways Webinars
NOTES
Note that the text is programmed to automatically appear. All the bullets will appear all at once after a very brief delay.
Career Pathways: What, Why, and How
Building Cross‐Agency Partnerships
Using Real‐Time Labor Market Information to Support Credential Attainment and
Career Pathways - Lessons from the Field on Building Career Pathways: Minnesota, Virginia, and Maryland
Increasing Credential Attainment: Using Prior Learning Assessments
Building Effective Career Pathways Systems: Tools You Can Use
Building Effective Career Pathways System: Roles for the Workforce Investment System (Arkansas and Wisconsin)
EXPLAIN: We have three goals for today:
First, we would like to share with you some information on career pathways – what career pathways are and what their key elements are.
Second, we would like to promote career pathways as the best way to help unemployed adults gain new skills or new credentials that will help them not only get a job but also begin a career with family-sustaining earnings.
Third, we would like to share resources and tools that we hope will help state and local teams launch career pathway initiatives.
CONTINUE: As a by-product of this event, we hope that you will have the opportunity today to learn from each other and, even better, to broaden your network through the people you’re meeting here today.
Switch to the next slide.
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 21

22. https://www.acp-sc.org Learn More:
Adult Career Pathways Training and Support Center
NOTES
Note that the graphic will automatically appear.
SAY: Also an excellent resource for you is the “Career Pathways Community of Practice” web site, which has information and tools from the field on career pathways.
Switch to the next slide.

23. Learn More: https://peerta.acf.hhs.gov/ ACF Welfare Peer TA Web Site
Implementing Career Pathways ♦ Page 23