Job Training in Jobless Recovery
WSI’s Director Maureen Conway, along with Robert P. Giloth of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, authored a recent op-ed (denverpost.com, December 9, 2009) highlighting lessons learned from job training programs that successfully adapt their strategies to reflect the changing economy. They make the case that job training is an effective strategy for combating unemployment, but any job training agenda should focus on meeting tangible industry demand. The commentary was also cited in Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity and the Huffington Post.

New publication explores ways to keep grads engaged
WSI’s latest publication explores why and how some nonprofit organizations are working with community colleges to maintain relationships with adult participants after they have finished their training. The paper makes liberal use of examples drawn from a number of the participating partnerships in the WSI-managed Courses to Employment demonstration, and in particular highlights one program—Capital IDEA in Austin, Texas—that has made a particularly strong commitment to long-term engagement of participants both during and after training. Download free PDF>>>

Paper on Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Census Results
WSI has just released a report that takes an in-depth look at pre-apprenticeship programs in the construction trades. Based on survey responses from 260 programs nationwide, the report presents information about program size, services offered, populations served, funding sources and current challenges faced – particularly in placing graduates in apprenticeships programs and construction jobs in the current economic climate. Download free PDF>>>

Participants selected for leadership academy
Twenty leaders from 15 organizations with a workforce development focus have been selected to join the new Greater Washington Workforce Leaders Academy. Participants work in a variety of organizations – including community-based organizations, community colleges and governmental agencies – that serve low-income adults in the greater Washington, D.C. region. The Academy is funded by the Greater Washington Workforce Development Collaborative. Learn more>>>

All sector initiatives are not alike. Approaches vary – in terms of where they are housed, what industries they work in and what services they offer. To read program profiles that illustrate that diversity. Click here >>>