rv 2014: developing workforce opportunities with transit- regional stories
DESCRIPTION
Developing Workforce Opportunities with Transit: Regional Stories AICP CM 1.5 3 regions = 3 distinct stories. How are workforce initiatives in Denver, Seattle and the Twin Cities helping businesses and economies grow along transit? Leaders from community colleges, cities and counties share their experiences. Models include: a training and employment program for transit construction and operators; a corridor-level model focused on employees and business development and retention; and an innovative approach to developing a food hub employment center near new transit. Moderator: Jennifer Billig, Policy Consultant, Mile High Business Alliance, Denver, Colorado Katrina Wert, Director, Regional Workforce Initiative, Community College of Denver, Colorado Janet Guthrie, Senior Policy Analyst, Ramsey County, Manager's Office, St. Paul, Minnesota Nora Liu, Community Development Manager, Department of Planning & Development, City of Seattle, WashingtonTRANSCRIPT
WIN Mission Meet the workforce needs of employers Connect local residents to career opportunities in the transportation and construction industries
WIN and FasTracks
WIN currently operates on six transit infrastructure projects:
Eagle P3 Rail Line US 36 Bus Rapid Transit Corridor (w/CDOT) North Metro Rail Line Redevelopment of Denver Union Station
historic building I 225 Rail Line Alameda Station redevelopment (w/ City of
Denver)
Who WIN Serves
In 2013, 352 served through general and targeted
career services (20% increase over 2012)
Currently 391 active enrollees—192 placed individuals, 85 job seeking /training participants and 103 incumbent workers seeking advanced training
45% reside in priority zip codes adjacent to FasTracks construction
69 individuals employers on six projects
Services for Employers
Pre-screening and recruiting for new positions
Training for new hires or existing workforce
Career pathway planning for existing workforce
Provide connections to local training programs and community organizations
Hiring incentives such as Work Opportunity Tax Credits, and salary reimbursements offered through state and city resources
Services for Participants
Placement and job search assistance
Career building—coaching, networking opportunities, and skills training both pre-and post-placement
Industry awareness—information on industry trends direct from the hiring employers to support interview and on-the-job success
Supportive services to eliminate barriers to employment success
WIN Network Partner Benefits
54 organizations including non-profits, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, small businesses, trade associations, and public workforce system
Provides diverse training options for entry-level, middle-skilled, advanced, and entrepreneurial skills development
Combines post-placement resources with employment preparation to increase job retention
Leverages resources and reduces costs
WIN develops positions in 3 categories--craft/technician; office administration and professional services
192 placements on 6 projects; target between 75 and 90 positions per year
Current avg. starting wage is $16.03 hourly ($33,342 annually)
On average, 13% of WIN participants advance into new positions within 6 months
Employment Outcomes
• 85% of WIN applicants
participate in pre-placement
training or coaching
• 40% of WIN participants enroll
in post-placement training
• 24% access post-placement
supportive services
• 93% of WIN placements are
still working 3 months later
Training and Resource Outcomes
By focusing on the needs of employers, career paths for participants, collaboration to enhance impact, and retention support, WIN produces positive community economic-development outcomes