Evidence-based Practice: Sector-oriented job training programs

Definition

Sector-oriented training programs are designed to prepare workers for a particular industry or sector, or occupation that is in demand by local employers. Effective sector-oriented training programs are typically grounded not only in evidence of overall sector growth, but also in employer-validated occupational and skill gaps where existing training pathways are insufficient, inaccessible, or misaligned with the specific requirements of hard-to-fill jobs.1 Effective programs also use labor market information to identify specific hard-to-fill occupations, then align training with the competencies and hiring requirements those jobs demand.2, 3 There are several examples of sector-oriented training programs that have proven effective in improving long-term employment, earnings, and educational attainment outcomes for participants.4 For example, the WorkAdvance model, which provides employee assessments, career readiness services, occupational skills training, and job development and placement services in different sectors, led to higher rates of credential attainment of 26 percentage points and increased earnings by an average of almost $3,000 several years after participation in the program.5, 6 As another example, the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership’s sectoral employment program, which provided training lasting two to eight weeks, along with case management and job placement assistance, increased earnings by more than $6,000, on average, over two years after acceptance into the program.7 Common industries targeted by sector-oriented training programs include health care, information technology, manufacturing, and transportation.8 Research suggests that key aspects of effective sector-oriented job training programs are on-the-job training and technical instruction that lead to an industry-recognized credential in demand by local employers, job search assistance and placement supports, and post-employment job retention services.9, 10