1. “Delivering an Effective Work Experience Program”
Jody A. Toner
WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA, Special Projects Director
December 16, 2010

2. What is Work Experience?
The WIA Regulations say…
Work experiences are planned, structured learning experiences that take place in a workplace for a limited period of time.
Designed to enable job seekers to gain exposure to the working world and its requirements.
Provide career exploration and skill development
Not designed to benefit employer directly however, based on work performed employer benefits

3. Key Ingredients Solid project design Effective outreach campaign
Extensive staff training
Dedicated project team
Employer Relationships

4. Key Ingredients Board involvement Accountability and accessibility
Pre-Inspection worksite visits
Comprehensive monitoring structure

5. Key Ingredients Low staff : participant ratios
Strict worksite supervisor : intern ratios
Formal intern performance evaluation process

6. Keys Ingredients Timing of the economy Success stories
Customer satisfaction survey process for employers and
job seekers
ROI – win win for
employers and job seekers

7. Program Facts Funded through WIA Paid internships
Employers write the job descriptions and make candidate selections

8. Program Facts Payroll methods: Direct deposit or Pay Partners
WCF is the employer of record
Variety of models based on programmatic design

9. WCF’s Work Experience Initiatives

10. Work Experience Initiatives
Three WIA funded initiatives:
Re-Employment Connection
CAREER TRACK Connection
Summer Job Connection

11. Re-Employment Connection
WIA Adults & Dislocated Workers ages 22 and up
Rate: 10.00/hour
Hours: 40 hrs/week
Duration: 12 weeks
Total earnings: $4,800

12. Re-Employment Connection
New extended model: Private sector only
Combination of WIA Adult & DW funds
Goal: 118 enrollments
Rate: 12.00/hour
Hours: 40 hrs/week
Duration: weeks
Earnings Range: $9,600-$12,480

13. CAREER TRACK Connection
WIA Youth: Out-of-school, ages 18-21
Rate: 8.50/hour
Hours: 30 hrs/week
Duration: 12 weeks
Total earnings: $3,060
Goal: 125 enrollments

14. Summer Job Connection WIA Youth ages 16-21 Rate: 8.25/hour
Hours: 35 hrs/week
Two tracks:
Track 1: ISY – 6 weeks
Track 2: OSY- 11 weeks
Incentives tied to performance evaluations
Earnings Range: $1, $3,176.25

15. Worksites

16. Worksites
Worksites are comprised of: non-profit, government agencies and private-for-profit*
Private sector positions must be in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Top 20 demand occupations in Central Florida as defined by our Board

17. Top 20 Occupations Administrative Services Managers
Booking, Accounting and Auditing Clerks
Cardiovascular Technologists & Technicians
Chefs & Head Cooks
Computer Programmers
Computer Support Specialists
Dental Assistants
Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Heating, A.C., and Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers
Licensed Practical Nurses
Massage Therapists
Medical & Health Services Manager
Medical Assistant
Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technology
Medical Records & Health Information Technicians
Medical Secretary
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Physical Therapist Assistant
Registered Nurse
Truck Drivers
Top 20 Occupations

18. Application Process Online application process
SNAP web-based application
Dedicated address and hotline # for inquiries/questions
Accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis
Employers write the job descriptions and make candidate selections

19. Quality Worksites
Upfront communication of WCF’s “high expectations and support”
Casting the vision of WCF’s project
Upfront commitment and understanding from employers
Eliminate the stereotype – this is not a free labor program

20. Quality Worksites
Worksites are required to complete a detailed training plan for each requested position
Effective worksite supervisory manual, training and online manual
Thorough onsite weekly/biweekly worksite monitoring with new instruments each week

21. Pre-Inspection Monitoring
Thorough review of the online applications is completed
Initial pre-inspection worksite monitoring is conducted within
two weeks from completed
application
Monitoring ensures that the worksite is a safe environment and program requirements/standards are explained and understood

22. Pre-Inspection Monitoring
Monitoring tool is reviewed, maintenance of efforts discussed
Training plan reviewed/finalized
Brief overview of the work experience program occurs with worksite staff (CEO, Executive Director and/or Supervisor)
Required REC paperwork is provided
WCF Media Release form
REC Worksite Supervisor Manual
WCF Worksite Agreement

23. Recruitment Events REC & CTC programs: SJC Monthly Recruitment events
Worksite supervisory training occurs
Job matching through a speed dating approach
SJC
1 day process/8 hour event per county
CES training for youth
Ends with Job Fair event

24. Recruitment Events Employers make candidate selections
Employer feedback phenomenal
Job seekers exposed to real world experiences
Worksite referral form- carbon copy

25. Worksite Role Joint partnership with RWB
Provide mentoring to program participants
Treat employees as regular employees
Open lines of communication with RWB assigned Career Specialist /Worksite Monitors
Timesheet completion and tracking
Involvement in ongoing worksite monitoring
Consider interns for any vacant positions

26. Job Seekers

27. Job Seekers Must meet WIA eligibility requirements and suitability
Webinar & Online application process
Initial Appointment: Registration & On-boarding paperwork
Level 1 background check conducted
Due to employer/employee relationship WCF cannot provide the results to the employers

28. Employability Skills
Employability skills training is a mandatory requirement
Customized training based on target population
Soft skills include: interviewing techniques, 30-second commercial, resume writing etc.
Youth: Work Readiness skills attainment

29. WCF’s Stats Program Online Applications Enrollments Performance Goals
REC -
Job Seekers
6,262
12/7/10:
862
Multi PY goal: 1126
Placements: 262
48% with host worksite
REC - Employers
267
201
Over 862 intern positions have been developed
Non Profit:  49.6%
Government:  14.7%
Private:  35.7%
WCF’s Stats

30. WCF’s Stats Program Online Applications Enrollments Performance Goals
SJC Youth
6,421
1,200
Work Readiness Goal – 95%
32 placements at host worksite
SJC Employers
429
225
N/A
SJC Youth
3,712
754
Work Readiness Goal – 89%
Positive Outcome Rate- 85%
SJC 2010 Employers
217
132
WCF’s Stats

31. Measure Success
Utilize a variety of media: video, newsletters, letters, etc.
Share with key stakeholders
SJC Video documentary 2009 & 2010

32. Measure Success Capturing success stories and posting on our website
Annual “Awards of Excellence” for worksites and interns
Performance goals

33. Best Practices Online Application process
Customer Service Representative triage team
WE Summits/Recruitment Events
Video Documentary
Designed and implemented an effective journaling approach the “Portfolio”

34. Resource Links Description Link WCF website
WCF’s Internship page
Employer Online Application
Employer
FAQ’s
Re-Employment Connection
CAREER TRACK Connection
Success Stories

35. Questions