Deaconess Foundation’s work has been heavily influenced by the WorkAdvance research study that took place between 2011-2016 and proved that comprehensive, coordinated workforce services (connecting coaching, training, and supports) work – for job seekers and for employers. But what has happened in the years since then?
First, local workforce development provider Towards Employment (TE) and other organizations shaped service delivery to match the WorkAdvance program model, helping thousands more to accelerate their economic mobility.
And now, TE has released a report, with support from the Fund for Our Economic Future and the Deaconess Foundation, Advancing Northeast Ohio: What WorkAdvance Taught Us About Building On Ramps to Opportunity. The report shows how workforce results were sustained for the original research participants. Compared to people who entered traditional programs, WorkAdvance participants 5 years out were more likely to:
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- Work regular shifts, full time, in a permanent job and/or in a job with opportunities for advancement
- Earn $5,000 more annually, representing a 14-22% increase in wages
- Complete technical training.
The report shows that there is still more work to be done to fully realize the promise of WorkAdvance. Next steps include:
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- Building up on-ramps – efforts, like ACCESS to manufacturing, that combine training, learn and earn opportunities, supports, and coaching that will help people position themselves on a longer-term career pathway to a family-sustaining wage;
- Making work better for more people, like through the Hospitality Talent Initiative that aims to work with restaurants and entertainment venues to find solutions to talent challenges.
- Keeping eyes on equity to address the complex root causes of opportunity gaps.
We anticipate that the lessons from WorkAdvance and implementation since then will continue to shape Deaconess’ work in important ways. We all have a role to play – find yours in the interactive, web-version of Advancing Northeast Ohio.