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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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

10. Stepping Forward Works Data

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