Austin Coming Together Why Austin Career Connect? In January 2014, - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

A workforce development initiative of

Austin Coming Together

AUST USTIN C N CAR AREER C R CONNECT ONNECT

In January 2014, ACT’s Austin Workforce Collaborative commissioned researchers at Dominican University to conduct a study of the prospects for engaging Austin residents in Advanced Manufacturing Training programs, leading to careers in advanced manufacturing. The report, released in late 2014, detailed the following conclusions:

Why Austin Career Connect?

Need for living-wage careers

There is significant need among Austin residents for living-wage careers.

– Post-recession unemployment hovers around 22% – About 11% of Austin residents are employed but still have household incomes below the poverty line – There may be as many as 20,000 discouraged workers in Austin who are currently out of the labor force

Good jobs are out there

High-quality jobs are available

– For students who complete a training program in Advanced Manufacturing, job placement rates are

• ver 90%

– Wages in advanced manufacturing (CNC, welding, press brake) typically start at $11-$14/hr and rise to $17-$20/hr after two or three years of employment

Yet, AMT programs that serve Austin residents are struggling to fill program seats. WHY?

－ Programs not cross-referring applicants － Many applicants need other supports before they’re ready to enroll: Bridge, social services, etc. － Lack of follow-up support for applicants

Supply exceeds demand

The solution:

AUST USTIN C N CAR AREER C R CONNECT ONNECT

ACC is a coordinated recruitment, intake, referral, and tracking system for individuals pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing. ACC serves jobseekers by:

• Supporting enrollment in advanced manufacturing training and/or

bridge programs

• Providing referrals to other supports

ACC serves partner organizations by:

• Providing strategic recruitment and referral support with access to

progress reporting

Training and Bridge Partners

ACC Partners

Referral and Social Support Partners

ACC Partners

Research & Technical Assistance

ACC Partners

ACC Clients

Potential barriers to enrollment in an AMT program include:

– Low TABE scores (Math or Reading) – Lack of availability during scheduled training times – Lack of reliable transportation – Lack of reliable childcare – Lack of income to sustain her/him during training – Inability to meet physical demands of job – Lack of interest and/or commitment – Inability to pass drug screening – A History of certain criminal offenses

ACC fills the gaps

For applicants…

– Single point of contact (ACC Coordinator) throughout entire process – After intake, referral to AMT program, bridge, pre-bridge, and/or social services – Multiple, consecutive or concurrent referrals

For partner organizations…

– Pre-screening of applicants – Applicants who do not yet meet enrollment qualifications are offered

• ther options

– ACC serves purpose of cross-referral

How to support ACC

Organizations can support the Austin Career Connect initiative if they:

• 1. Provide social service support to clients from

the following zip codes: 60644, 60651, 60639, 60707, 60624, 60623, 60612; and are

• 2. Willing to refer interested clients to our ACC

Coordinator

Contact Austin Coming Together www www.AustinComingT .AustinComingTogether

• gether.or

.org g 773-417-8613 773-417-8613