Effective Skills Equity Policies to Support Latino Adult Learners and Workers. UnidosUS Workforce Development Forum Las Vegas, NV September 14, 2017

Transcription

1 Effective Skills Equity Policies to Support Latino Adult Learners and Workers UnidosUS Workforce Development Forum Las Vegas, NV September 14, 2017

2 Today s Discussion Middle-skill jobs: an opportunity for Latino workers Upskilling: a role for Latino-serving organizations Skills equity policies: providing state-level support & authorization for upskilling Pressure points: how advocates can make a difference

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4 The labor market is tightening. Unemployment rate is getting close to 4% ( full employment ) Hispanic/Latino unemployment remains higher (just over 5%)

5 Two ways to fill the middle-skill gap 1. Upskill existing (incumbent) workers 2. Equip Opportunity Youth and others outside the workforce to find skilled employment

6 Adults with limited skills and Opportunity Youth can benefit from upskilling opportunities. Source: 2013 Current Population Survey (CPS); Disconnected youth estimate from Center for American Progress based on 2013 CPS data.

7 Many Latinos are among those who can benefit from upskilling. Adults with limited English literacy skills 43% 35% 10% White, non-hispanic Black, non-hispanic Hispanic/Latino Data source: Time for the US to Reskill? OECD, 2013.

8 Over half of Latino adults have limited numeracy skills. 59% 56% 19% White, non-hispanic Black, non-hispanic Hispanic/Latino Data source: Time for the US to Reskill? OECD, 2013.

9 Who can help workers upskill successfully? One possibility: Trusted community-based organizations with expertise in adult education and/or workforce development

10 Those are the numbers. Let s talk about the people.

11 This is a story that we can tell over and over again. A student who was a trained chef could only get hired as a dishwasher due to his limited language skills. That was 10 years ago. After learning English, he became an executive chef in a prominent restaurant. Today, he finds himself in need of additional remediation as he needs to communicate in writing more frequently. Photo for illustration purposes; does not represent a specific individual. This is a story that we can tell over and over again in many jobs. -- Adult educator

12 He received his promotion. A non-reader was a highly skilled employee in his department, but was unable to be promoted until he came to adult education. He learned the accommodations necessary to write memos, place orders, and read messages and instructions. Eventually, he learned to read and received his promotion to supervisor. -- Adult educator Photo for illustration purposes; does not represent a specific individual.

13 It s your turn! Does your organization offer workforce services? What has been your experience helping Latinos upskill?

14 Nonprofits are implementing effective upskilling models. Integrated Education and Training Stackable credentials as part of career pathways Work-based learning and apprenticeship Skills-based SNAP Employment & Training Incumbent worker training through industry sector partnerships Photo credit: auremar, copyright 123rf.com

15 Example: Integrated education and training. Friendly House (Phoenix, AZ) I-BEST program enables adults to earn high school equivalency while training for a career Occupations include medical assistant

16 Example: Stackable credentials. Nonprofit Neighbors Link provides 20-hour Home Companion Care course with contextualized ESL Graduates can move on to stackable Personal Care Assistant & Home Health certificate programs at Westchester (NY) Community College

17 Example: Work-based learning. Nonprofit BACH is partnering with the State of Maryland, Community College of Baltimore County, and Johns Hopkins Hospital Offering first competency-based apprenticeship Addressing shortages in healthcare occupations & providing pathways for skilled immigrants

18 Example: Skills-based SNAP E&T. Nonprofit RFSC provides Electronics Assembly training for refugees and immigrants in Seattle Program graduates hired at Boeing, other companies Funded in part through Washington State s SNAP Employment & Training program Photo: Refugee Federation Service Center electronics assembly program graduates

19 Example: Industry sector partnerships BSP is a nonprofit labormanagement partnership in California Offers Green Janitor Education Program and ADVANCE English program

20 To move from individual successes to systemic change we need strong public policies. At the state level, advance proven strategies to support upskilling At the federal level, support effective implementation of existing policies & build toward longer-term policy wins

21 There is a menu of policies that can support skill-building. Funding and supporting industry sector partnerships. Advancing effective Integrated Education and Training models. Supporting job-driven financial aid policies Establishing stackable credential policies that include industry certifications Supporting businesses in providing work-based learning opportunities

22 NSC offers tools to support strong policies. Learn which policies your state has in place already, and where there is room for advocacy / SkillsEquity

23 What does that look in practice? NSC s 50-state scans show where your state stands on each policy Our skills equity policy toolkits showcase states with strong policies & provide a legislative template for you to use /skillsequity

24 Let s take an example: How do you go about encouraging your state to fund and support industry sector partnerships?

25 Find out: Does your state have a policy? According to NSC s 50-state scan: 21 states have some type of sector partnership policy Only 10 of those states have robust policies that include funding, technical assistance, and program initiatives

26 Three ways that state policies can support sector partnerships: Authorize ongoing state support for local sector partnerships through: 1. Funding: grants to partnerships using state and/or federal resources 2. Technical Assistance: state staff assistance in formation/maintenance of partnerships; professional development and capacity building; customized labor market and economic analysis; and information on industry trends and workforce development resources 3. Program Initiatives: promote the use of local sector partnerships as a key component of the state s workforce strategy and/or set criteria for local sector partnerships

27 Use our toolkit on state policies to advocate for sector partnerships. What s in it? A guide to key elements of a robust policy A legislative template Case studies from MA, CO, and MD Links to state resources

28 Does all this seem like a big task? Start small. Bite-sized advocacy opportunities: 1. Make sure policymakers are receiving your organization s newsletter or other publications 2. Invite a policymaker to visit your program or organization. 3. Participate in an NSC constituent call to share your perspective with a policymaker.

29 Make use of our publications. Use publications as leave-behinds when you visit policymakers, or drop one in the mail with a personalized note. /resources/publications

30 Steal this resource: charts & graphs from NSC Use charts from NSC s new Foundational Skills report to make the case to policymakers Fresh data on skill gaps & opportunities can help grab policymakers attention

31 Show how skill gaps are affecting the current workforce. Source: NSC/AIR analysis of PIAAC data on servicesector workers with low literacy.

32 Demonstrate that the ripple effects go beyond individual workers. Source: NSC/AIR analysis of PIAAC data on servicesector workers with low literacy.

33 Make the case that these loyal workers are worthy of investment. Source: NSC/AIR analysis of PIAAC data on servicesector workers with low literacy.

34 Help policymakers grasp the need for English language & adult education classes. Source: NSC/AIR analysis of PIAAC data on servicesector workers with low literacy.

35 Keep in mind Advocacy works! Speaking up for adult education reminds policymakers that their constituents care about these issues Your voice can amplify the voices of adult learners and jobseekers

36 Time for questions. What would you like to know?

37 Stay connected Visit our website. Sign up for our member list. Follow us on:

38 Contact information Amanda Bergson-Shilcock Director of Upskilling Policy