Career Advancement for Welfare Recipients and Low-Wage Workers

To help families leave public assistance and escape poverty, the public sector must invest in career advancement strategies that enable parents to access jobs with family-supporting wages, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. Welfare time limits have made career advancement more important than ever. The following services promote career advancement for welfare recipients and low-wage workers: job placement and career planning; skill development through education and training; long-term employment and economic development strategies in specific sectors; and support services. The following are among recommendations for agencies selecting vendors or designing career advancement programs: (1) work closely with employers to identify jobs in demand; (2) focus on the quality of jobs and target firms with good jobs and opportunities for growth and advancement; (3) develop training curricula in terms of documentable competencies and skills; and (4) provide support services to help clients with family and employment-related needs. Partnerships are critical for career advancement initiatives. They can include public agencies, employers, unions, community and economic development agencies, training providers, and social support agencies. Research has identified program models and innovative practices that have proved successful in promoting good jobs and advancement among welfare recipients and the working poor. (Nine resource contacts and 22 references publications are listed.) (MN)