This paper examines the effects of youth work experience on subsequent employability. The paper begins with a speculative consideration of the ways in which work experience might affect later employability. Three types of research literature are then reviewed: (1) economic studies of the relation between youth work and subsequent employment and…

The successful transition of developmentally disabled persons from school to employment, often supported employment, involves changing the attitudes of both families and businesses. Contacts on state committees on employment of the handicapped are listed as are seven model supported work and school to work transition programs. (DB)

A significant number of current and former Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients have various barriers to finding and maintaining employment. Among the most common barriers are physical and mental health problems, domestic violence, low skill levels, lack of adequate or affordable housing, and limited proficiency in English.…

A survey of 10 states indicated the presence of hiring procedures that discourage or limit public-sector supported employment for persons having severe disabilities. Survey results, and recommendations for state system change to promote supported employment, are presented in 4 areas: civil service examination requirements, job classification…

The employability of secondary-level youth is considered by a youth employment company official in testimony to the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Attention is directed to ways in which young people, and particularly the economically disadvantaged, can acquire the necessary reading, writing, and math skills for on-the-job success.…

This document reports the oral and written testimony submitted at a Congressional hearing on how job training works--how effective employment training programs succeed and how that success is measured. The hearing was based on a General Accounting Office study that found four hallmarks of effective job training: individual commitment, removal of…

This paper proposes a model for a neighborhood program to help enough low-income individuals improve their employment and financial standing so that the impacts are meaningful at a neighborhood scale. Section I describes the project. Section II explains why neighborhood-focused employment programs are an important part of the solution for…

Many companies recognize the importance of including older persons in the labor force, but barriers still exist that limit their productive employment. Negative stereotypes may influence hiring and promotion decisions, and training opportunities may be closed. A study was conducted of private sector employment programs/practices that are intended…

Vocational education plays a significant role in the nation's economic development in terms of its capacity to make individuals more employable. It can respond to specific regional needs by producing the skilled workers for a rapidly growing industry. If, however, the industries of a region do not utilize the skills of the existing labor force, it…

The problem of determining whether to award credit for training offered through the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) program and what credentials to offer is addressed as part of the American Council on Education's Higher Education/CETA Project, which was supported by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. In…

This draft statement outlines the issues to be discussed at a series of invitational conferences to consider policies and proposals regarding youth education and employment in New York State. It consists of three sections. In section 1 a general description of the problem of youth unemployment is provided. Section 2 examines a framework for action…

Some lessons from Youthwork, Inc.'s experience are important to public policy makers trying to decide what part the federal government should play in supporting and providing leadership for job education, training, and employability programs development. In setting federal priorities, Youthwork recommends greatest emphasis on supporting vocational…

The advent of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) has changed the way community-based organizations (CBOs) can serve unemployed youth, according to the findings of the National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) survey of CBOs; analysis of reports, surveys, and studies of the JTPA; and conversations with NYEC members and others concerned with…

In the face of escalating youth unemployment, some new approaches are needed for training out-of-school youth in Australia. The current system of apprenticeship has become outmoded because many of the skilled trades that the system prepares young people for will soon be non-existent. One approach to this problem has been implementation of…

The federal policy shift from skills training and toward work first strategies has come about, in part, from a misconception that "training does not work." A more comprehensive look at existing research reveals the documented effectiveness of skills training. A growing number of studies have shown skills training can increase earnings;…