CONSIDER THIS…
Local Workforce Areas need to rethink their policies on Individual Training Account caps either annually or lifetime.
Caps were enacted in the past due to reductions in funding and a philosophy of serving more individuals by spending less per individual. First, I ask you if you would rather serve MORE clients halfway or serve FEWER clients right? Doing the support right the first time, I believe, will lead to sustained employment and promotional opportunities.
Career Pathways has helped us understand that in the workforce industry today, many or even most of our clients have multiple barriers to getting and keeping a job. Those barriers compound the challenges with landing any job but especially a job that pays a self-sufficient wage. The concept of Career Pathways is that we “meet our clients where they are right now” and work with them to achieve the capability of getting a low-wage entry-level job. Typically that entry-level job is a first short-term credential followed by a second tier credential and then normally a third credential to achieve a living wage. For example, you may work with a client with basic career services of resume development and job readiness skills prior to enrollng him or her onto Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA) training. Once he or she achieves the CNA credential, enroll them in Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) training. Then, once he or she achieves the LPN, enroll them onto Registered Nurse training (RN). Achieving the RN credential provides the individual with an opportunity to have a career that pays a living wage.
Notice, that I talked about jobs until an individual entered credentialed training and then my description changed to career instead of job. We want career ladder/credentials that will help the individual get on a successful path to a living wage in an industry and occupation he or she wants to pursue and is committed to doing so.
I do know that many private training vendors such as truck-driving, information technology, etc., tend to charge whatever your cap is. It is not legal for a private training vendor to charge your programs more than the general public.
Currently, there are a lot of good paying job openings in truck driving so it may be a one and out. One and out? Train in one credential and exit to a job/career is using a one and out approach. If a Workforce Development Board is concerned about open spending for Individual Training Accounts, another option is to continue having a cap but allow the Executive Director or Workforce Board Committee approve a Career Pathways scenario that exceeds the cap with justification from an individual Career Advisor/Case Manager.
THINK ABOUT IT!
