Building Better Programs

MDRC Report: Meeting the Needs of Workers and Employers – Implementation of a Sector-Focused Career Advancement Model for Low-Skilled Adults

Published by MDRC, this report highlights the early results on how program providers in New York City, Tulsa, and Cleveland implemented the WorkAdvance framework into a workable program.  The WorkAdvance program encompasses sectoral as well as job retention and career advancement strategies through four specified program components for up to two years after enrollment–pre-employment and career readiness services, occupational skills training, job development and training, and post-employment retention and advancement services.

This report offers lessons learned to assist organizations seeking to implement a similar sector-focused career advancement program.

The four key findings were:

  • The WorkAdvance model is demanding model to implement and while all providers have implemented all components the post-employment services have been the most challenging to implement.
  • Since screening of applicants is driven by employers only one in five applicants were eligible for participation.
  • Emotional intelligence skill building was as important to employers and participants as technical skill building.
  • Completion rates for occupational training, usually and industry recognized credential, are showing early signs of being high.

Meeting the Needs of Workers and Employers: Implementation of a Sector-Focused Career Advancement Model for Low-Skilled Adults