Building Better Programs

DOL Report – What Works in Job Training: A Synthesis of the Evidence

The Department of Labor (with the Department of Commerce, Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services) have released a report: What Works in Job Training – A Synthesis of the Evidence.

The report examines “what works” for adults and for youth.  Within the context of adults, the report examines post-secondary education and industry-recognized credentials, flexible and innovative skill-building training curricula and strategies, work-based training, employer/industry engagement, labor market information and guidance and cross system coordinator and integrated education, training and work supports.  For youth, the report examines career preparation and career education, work experience and summer programs, work and industry-based education, training and career academies, as well as comprehensive and integrated models.  The report wraps up with gaps in evidence and an action plan to fill those gaps.

From report page at the Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Policy:
On January 30, 2014, President Barack Obama directed Vice President Joseph Biden to lead a government-wide review of federal programs in the workforce and training system to ensure they are designed to equip the nation’s workers with skills matching the needs of employers looking to hire. The review culminated in an action plan to make the system more job-driven, integrated, and effective.

To inform the development of the action plan, agencies were asked to summarize the evidence on adult and youth job training strategies and programs to “…determine what information is lacking and identify future research and evaluation that can be undertaken to ensure the Federal programs invest in effective practices.” This document, prepared by the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, Education and Health and Human Services, with input from several other Federal agencies and staff, presents the results of that evidence summary.

Link to Report: What Works in Job Training – A Synthesis of the Evidence (PDF)