Involving Employers in Training: Best Practices. Research and Evaluation Report Series 97-I

A review of the literature on employer-based training (EBT) and case studies of 17 exemplary EBT programs (9 of which were Job Training Partnership Act [JTPA] programs) were used to determine best practices in EBT and make recommendations for effective strategies for implementing EBT programs. Some of these strategies included the following: (1) JTPA programs should be visible to the community; (2) market JTPA training by stressing its benefits, including its effects on the bottom line for companies; (3) provide JTPA training for a consortium of businesses rather than a single business; (4) ask for commitments from companies for JTPA programs; (5) don't overburden companies with paperwork requirements; (6) companies should first plan their EBT programs based on company goals; (7) employee input is essential to a successful program; (8) linkages with outside organizations can provide access to training resources; (9) companies can maximize their EBT programs by making sure employees apply their training knowledge soon after training; (10) companies should consider the pros and cons of providing training in-house or at another locale; (10) stretch the training budget by shifting some costs to employees; and (11) evaluate the training program and make adjustments as needed. (Contains 45 references.) (KC)