1. Chicago Jobs Council Introduction to the Workforce Development System Developed by the Chicago Jobs Council Delivered by the Supportive Housing Providers Association

2. Chicago Jobs Council Introductions What is the Workforce Development System? Program Models / Services for Job Seekers Funding Sources Challenges and Opportunities Agenda

3. Chicago Jobs Council What is the Workforce Development System?

4. Chicago Jobs Council What is the Workforce Development System? Assists disadvantaged individuals prepare for, find, and remain engaged in employment Network of community-based organizations, training providers, and other institutions Funded by a variety of sources

5. Chicago Jobs Council Workforce Development: Intersections with Other Systems Community Colleges Adult Education (Literacy, ESL, GED prep) Economic Development Human Services

6. Chicago Jobs Council Who does the Workforce Development system serve? Youth (in-school and out-of-school) People with criminal records Public housing residents Veterans Homeless individuals TANF recipients Unemployment Insurance recipients Individuals with limited English proficiency Low-wage incumbent workers

7. Chicago Jobs Council Program Models / Services for Job Seekers

8. Chicago Jobs Council Transitional Jobs (TJ) Programs Aimed at individuals with limited labor market experience (i.e. ex-offenders, public housing residents, older youth) Time-limited, wage paying (subsidized) employment –Real work experience –Extensive support services and case management –Job readiness/ soft skills –Assistance transitioning to unsubsidized employment

9. Chicago Jobs Council Transitional Jobs (TJ) Programs Types of TJ Program Models –Individual placement –Work crews –Social enterprise

10. Chicago Jobs Council “Bridge” Educational Strategies Goal: increase education levels of individuals so they can succeed in post-secondary education and/or career path employment Remedial instruction beginning at low literacy / numeracy levels, contextualized to an occupation No dedicated funding stream or program- Adult Basic Education, WIA Title I, Community Development Block Grant, private funding  braiding of several funding sources

11. Chicago Jobs Council “Bridge” Educational Strategies Definition adopted by Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) 3 main “bridge” program components Components are mandatory; without one it’s not a “bridge” program

12. Chicago Jobs Council Illinois Definition of Bridge Program: 3 Core Elements Contextualized instruction that integrates basic reading, math, and language skills with occupational knowledge Career Development that includes career exploration, career planning, and understanding of the world of work. Transition Services that provide students with the information and assistance they need to successfully navigate the process of moving from adult education to credit or occupational programs.

13. Chicago Jobs Council Bridge programs in the field Successful bridge programs can be offered by a range of entities –Community based organizations –Community colleges –Partnerships between CBOs and community colleges

14. Chicago Jobs Council Sector-based Training Training developed in conjunction with an employer to ensure it meets industry standards Designed to prepare participants for particular occupations within a high demand industry Chicago has focused on manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and hospitality (among others)

15. Chicago Jobs Council Employment Prep & Placement Basic workplace skills Communication and problem solving skills Resume and cover letter writing Interviewing skills Basic computer skills Job search and placement assistance Potential referral to sector training program Follow up services to ensure employment retention

16. Chicago Jobs Council Adult Basic Education (ABE) Provides basic education services to adults English as a Second Language Literacy GED preparation Contextualized ABE a part of bridge programs Recently there has been increased conversation about enhancing linkage between these services and workforce development

17. Chicago Jobs Council Support Services State ID Obtain criminal record GED registration fee Licensing fee / exams Glasses Books / materials for training Referrals to other social services Transportation Child care Dependent care Housing Access to voicemail Clothing / uniforms Legal assistance

18. Chicago Jobs Council Workforce Development Funding Sources

19. Chicago Jobs Council Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title I U.S. Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Local WIA Administrator

20. Chicago Jobs Council Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title I Dual customer: job seeker and employer Serves low-income adults, low-income youth, & dislocated workers Performance outcomes: job placement, job retention, wages, attainment of degree/certificate, literacy & numeracy gains

21. Chicago Jobs Council Eligibility and Suitability Adult: 18 years and older; low-income (very) Dislocated Worker: unemployed and unlikely to return to occupation; received a layoff notice or have been laid off due to a company closure or mass layoff; self employed but currently unemployed Youth: 16-21 years; low-income; barrier(s) to employment Suitability: May be referred to appropriate educational entity, bridge program, other workforce development program, or social service agency upon assessment

22. Chicago Jobs Council Types of WIA Services Universal: general orientation, eligibility assessment, job search activities, basic workshops, labor market information Intensive: job readiness skills, comprehensive assessment, individual employment plan, workshops on interviewing, resumes, job search Training: industry-specific occupational training, Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) Must be suitable and eligible for WIA program to access intensive and training services.

23. WIA Network # Workforce Centers (aka one-stops) # Affiliate Agencies http://www.ildceo.net/dceo/bureaus/workforce_developm ent/warn/warn_lwia+regions.htm

24. Chicago Jobs Council Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Uses related to workforce development –Source of flexible funding for training and job placement services (both TANF recipients and non-recipients) –Pipeline into employment & training services for low- income parents Access to services is through Family Community Resource Centers (run by IDHS)

25. Chicago Jobs Council Workforce Development Resources cjc.netwire.cjc.net greencollar chicago.org ilworks4 future.org

26. Chicago Jobs Council Questions? Contact information Lore Baker Executive Director, SHPA l.baker@shpa-il.org 217-528-9814 Johnna Lowe Resident Education & Advocacy Coordinator, SHPA j.lowe@shpa-il.org 312-202-0256

27. Chicago Jobs Council Thanks!