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Summary

The Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership—Manufacturing Pathway provided workers who were unemployed with tutoring, training, apprenticeships, and job search services to help them gain employment in the manufacturing sector.

Participants in the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership—Manufacturing Pathway received services and training to prepare for and advance in a career in the manufacturing sector. Training included job readiness training to improve personal and professional skills, occupational training that provided certificates in specific trades, and apprenticeships. Services included tutoring, job search assistance, and job referrals to partner employers in the manufacturing industry. Participants were individuals who were unemployed and who expressed interest in careers in manufacturing. This intervention was delivered in Milwaukee, WI. The Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership—Construction Pathway was also assessed alongside this intervention.

Populations and employment barriers: Unemployed

Effectiveness rating and effect by outcome domain

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Outcome domain Term Effectiveness rating Effect in 2018 dollars and percentages Effect in standard deviations Sample size
Increase earnings Short-term Supported favorable $13,115 per year 0.627 19930
Long-term No evidence to assess support
Very long-term No evidence to assess support
Increase employment Short-term Supported favorable 17% (in percentage points) 0.406 19930
Long-term No evidence to assess support
Very long-term No evidence to assess support
Decrease benefit receipt Short-term No evidence to assess support
Long-term No evidence to assess support
Very long-term No evidence to assess support
Increase education and training All measurement periods No evidence to assess support

Studies of this intervention

Study quality rating Study counts per rating
Moderate Moderate 1

Implementation details

Dates covered by study

Participants in the WRTP—Manufacturing Pathway enrolled between January 2010 and February 2012. Their outcomes were analyzed through the end of 2012.

Organizations implementing intervention

The WRTP—Manufacturing Pathway was implemented by the WRTP, a regional partnership of employers, unions, workers, government organizations, community organizations, and training providers. The WRTP received support from the Milwaukee Area Workforce Funding Alliance. The WRTP’s activities were implemented by Urban Strategies, a private firm providing research, facilitation, training, and project management for community and workforce development.

Populations served

The WRTP—Manufacturing Pathway served workers who were unemployed in the Milwaukee area. Many participants had prior employment in the manufacturing industry. In the treatment and comparison groups, 84 percent of participants were male. Over half were Black or African American (58 percent), 29 percent were White, and 8 percent were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Over three-quarters had a high school diploma or GED (79 percent), and 2 percent held an associate’s degree or had attended some college. Almost half of participants were under age 35 (41 percent).

Description of services implemented

The WRTP—Manufacturing Pathway intervention consisted of services focused on (1) promoting employment among people interested in developing technical skills in manufacturing and (2) connecting local builders and manufacturers with qualified employees. Participants were referred to appropriate services after completing an initial assessment of their workforce skills and job readiness. Services included the following:

  • Education and training. Participants were offered academic tutoring and preparation services for apprenticeship exams, along with referrals to industry partners for occupational training. Participants who were deemed prepared for entry-level jobs could earn occupational certificates in skilled manufacturing trades.

  • Job-search assistance. Participants were offered help with job searches concurrent with education and training services.

  • Apprenticeships and career-advancement training. Participants who found mid-level jobs in manufacturing and obtained an occupational certification were offered career-advancement training in specialized apprenticeship programs. These additional services were designed to further skill development and promote career progression.

Service intensity

The study did not specify the duration of service receipt or number and type of services received by participants.

Comparison conditions

The comparison group for this study was formed using administrative data. The group consisted of similar unemployed workers who lived in the same area and pursued state employment and training services during the same period. People in the two study conditions were matched on individual characteristics and employment history. 

Partnerships

The WRTP involved a variety of regional partners, including the following:

  • The Construction Management Council, a construction trade association
  • Wisconsin’s Joint Apprenticeship Board, a government organization
  • The Milwaukee Workforce Investment Board, a government organization
  • The Milwaukee Community Service Corps, a community organization
  • The Milwaukee YMCA, a community organization

Several community organizations provided training, including the following:

  • The Milwaukee Christian Center
  • The Northcott Neighborhood House

Local private employers provided information about their workforce and industry training needs. These employers included the following:

  • Pieper Electric, Inc.
  • Michaels
  • CD Smith Construction
  • Langer Roofing and Sheet Metal

Staffing

The study did not include information on the number of staff or their training, degrees, or certifications.

Fidelity measures

The study did not discuss any tools to measure fidelity to the intervention model.

Funding source

The National Fund for Workforce Solutions partially funded the Milwaukee Area Workforce Funding Alliance. Private and public organizations provided additional funding. A one-time grant from the Social Innovation Fund, awarded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, supported the Milwaukee Area Workforce Funding Alliance and funded the study.

Cost information

The study did not discuss a cost per participant or a comparison of costs and benefits.

Local context

The WRTP—Manufacturing Pathway was delivered in Milwaukee, WI.

Characteristics of research participants
Black or African American
58%
White, not Hispanic
29%
Unknown, not reported, or other
5%
Hispanic or Latino of any race
8%

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