Supporting Job Corps’ National Strategy
Richard Trigg, National Director of Job Corps, recently outlined three key performance objectives for Job Corps through 2003–what he calls
"The Three R’s: Return to Basics, Reach out to WIA Partners and Recommit to Students–along with specific strategies for achieving these objectives. To effectively implement these strategies, Job Corps staff need new skills and tools. FREEdLANCE Group can help.
Accountability through Performance Measures
These strategies focus on identifying appropriate performance data, tracking this data throughout the system and using data in an integrated continuous quality improvement process to enhance Job Corps programs and services.
THE FREEdLANCE SOLUTION:
High Performance in Workforce Development Programming Training & Planning Services
FREEdLANCE Group staff have years of experience in the public employment and training sector and have worked with a variety of programs to help them identify key performance measures, develop appropriate performance improvement plans and integrate data collection and analysis strategies into day-to-day business operations. Through our work with Job Corps regions and contractors throughout the country, we also have in-depth, specialized knowledge of the performance issues you face on a daily basis.
Using our Malcolm Baldrige-based CQI system and processes, we can assist you and your staff in designing a CQI plan that will allow you to continuously monitor and evaluate your performance in an increasingly competitive market. We can also provide staff training to prepare your staff to use fact-based decision-making, collect & analyze customer data and design programs and services that reflect the needs of both business and student customers.
Academic & Vocational Skills Attainment
These strategies include updating center vocations to reflect local labor market information and the needs of employers, providing staff with the skills to develop viable employer partnerships and continuing to incorporate IT skills in the Career Prep and Career Development phases.
The FREEdLANCE SOLUTION:
Staff Training and Planning Services
FREEdLANCE Group workshops address a number of issues related to academic and vocational skills attainment, including workshops on:
- Integrating Career Development Activities into Academic & Vocational Classes
- Career Transition Services that Support Long-term Job Retention and Career Advancement
- Effective Business Outreach Business Practices and Services
- Identifying and Collaborating with Local Service Partners
- Using Labor Market Information to Create Viable Career Paths and Support Industry Clusters
In addition, we’ve consulted with a number of public and private employment and training organizations to assist them in integrating technology into the career planning process.
CareerWired.com
CareerWired.com is an interactive multimedia web-based tool that can be customized to provide career development, career exploration, career transition and career advancement services in an entirely on-line environment.
CareerWired uses multimedia on-line communication tools to allow your staff to work cost-effectively to meet students’ needs from Career Preparation through Career Transition at remote sites, and across any geographic boundaries.
The Virtual Employee Assistance and Career Advancement feature encourages participants and Centers to maintain connections and share information by providing post placement career supports, multimedia workplace skill enhancement lessons on-line, and more….
Staff Development & Retention & Recommitment to Students
As part of the return to basics, as well as to the recommitment to students, providing staff with skills in career development facilitation is critical. Further, staff surveys indicate that while salaries, benefits and other "perks" are an important factor in job retention, professional development opportunities are equally important.
THE FREEdLANCE SOLUTION
Career Development Facilitator Certification
Through WDPN.net, a partnership of FREEdLANCE Group, Duquesne University and Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh, we offer customized, comprehensive training programs that prepare staff to receive the National Career Development Association’s CDF designation. Our training uses a team and individual project-based, hands-on learning environment to provide staff with the 12 CDF competencies, including using assessments, creating career plans, identifying and using labor market information, job search and job retention strategies and effective use of technology. We have provided certification courses to Dynamic Educational Systems, ResCare, Jackson-Pierce and other Job Corps groups. Our curriculum also addresses the real-life issues that Job Corps staff face on a daily basis and is taught by staff who model career facilitation techniques and teach staff how to integrate these skills into work with students and businesses. We also assist staff in identifying skill strength and weakness areas, creating their own professional development plan and identifying strategies for implementing their new skills in the work place. We offer options for individuals with no prior training in career planning, as well as a shortened version of our CDF course for individuals who have completed the Facilitating Youth Career Development training.
Continuing Education Workshops
Facilitating Youth Career Development–an experiential 3 _ day workshop that teaches staff career planning basics using technology, best practices in career development and realistic case studies based on Job Corps students.
Assessment Best Practices–How to identify and assess student needs using high quality career assessment tools in a career development context.
Engaging Career Development Strategies for Youth
Integrating Career Development Activities into Academic & Vocational Classes
Career Transition Services that Support Long-term Job Retention and Career Advancement
Developing & Using Student Career Development Portfolios
Self-Directed & Empowering Job Search Strategies
Effective and Creative Case Management Skills
Career Planning and Services for Youth with Disabilities
