Workforce strategies to improve employment outcomes
Workforce strategies can equip adults with in-demand skills, applied work experience, and credentials to position them for jobs that offer a living wage and good benefits.
A stable job with good pay and benefits is the ultimate marker of upward economic mobility. Children of parents with high-quality jobs are more likely to grow up in safe, stable households, leading to better academic and social outcomes throughout their lives.
How does employment affect economic mobility?
- Steady, high-quality employment reduces the likelihood of material hardship and improves outcomes for children. 1
Lack of income stemming from unstable employment can make it more difficult for parents to afford food, utilities, health care, and developmental opportunities for their children.
- Employment that pays a living wage, provides benefits, and provides employees with consistent, predictable scheduling helps produce economic stability for individuals and families. 2 3
At least one-third of households with a working adult experience material hardships, like being unable to afford enough to eat, stable housing, or medical care.
- Low-wage jobs with unpredictable schedules negatively impact adult mental health and family well-being. 4
The economic insecurity, parental stress, and disrupted family routines that result from low-quality employment decrease child well-being.
Categories of successful interventions
- Job placement services: Programs that help unemployed individuals find jobs suited for their skillset
- Sector-based skills training: Programs that provide individuals with training for jobs in specific, in-demand industries
- Transitional jobs: Paid, temporary employment designed for individuals who have disconnected from school or work. Often include restorative justice programs, counseling, wraparound services, skill building, and GED services
Evidence-based interventions
Intervention | Type | Category | Evidence Level | ARP Eligibility |
---|---|---|---|---|
Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs | Strategy |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) | Yes |
Adult reentry programs | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) | Yes |
Adult vocational training | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) | Yes |
Career Academies | Program |
|
Proven (highest tier) | Yes |
Center for Employment Opportunities | Program |
|
Proven (highest tier) | Yes |
Child care subsidies | Policy |
|
Proven (highest tier) | Yes |
Flexible scheduling policies | Policy |
|
Proven (highest tier) | No |
Goodwill Good Transitions Program | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) | Yes |
Goodwill Industries | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) | Yes |
I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) | Yes |
Individual placement and support programs | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) | Yes |
Madison Strategies Group (operating the WorkAdvance model) | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) | Yes |
Nevada Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment | Program |
|
Proven (highest tier) | Yes |
Per Scholas | Program |
|
Proven (highest tier) | Yes |
Project QUEST | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) | Yes |
Rapid Employment and Development Initiative (READI) | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) | Yes |
Registered apprenticeships | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) | Yes |
Riverside Post-Assistance Self Sufficiency Program | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) | Yes |
Roca | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) | Yes |
Summer youth employment programs | Strategy |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) | Yes |
Transitional Jobs | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) | Yes |
Urban Alliance | Program |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) | Yes |
Wisconsin Regional Training Program | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) | Yes |
Year Up | Program |
|
Proven (highest tier) | Yes |
YouthBuild | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) | Yes |