Job Retention and Advancement – Building Better Programs https://www.buildingbetterprograms.org Resources for Improving TANF and Related Work Programs Thu, 19 Mar 2015 18:35:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Mathematica: Employer Resource Networks https://www.buildingbetterprograms.org/2015/03/11/mathematica-employer-resource-networks/ Wed, 11 Mar 2015 21:08:16 +0000 http://www.buildingbetterprograms.org/?p=985 Read more]]> This issue brief describes the Employer Resource Network (ERN), an innovative, employer-based model that pulls together a consortium of small- to mid-size businesses to provide job retention services, work supports, and training opportunities for entry level employees, many of whom are receiving public assistance. The primary focus is job retention, with a strong secondary focus on skill building. ERNs also include strong partnerships with other service delivery systems and organizations such as social service agencies, workforce development agencies, chambers of commerce, and community and technical colleges. This particular employer-based service model has been implemented at six sites within four counties in Michigan, involving 45 employers. Services include short-term, “high touch” case management, job and life skills training, and specialized resources and supports.

The following description is intended to provide an overview of key features of the ERN model so that other employers and government agencies—most notably workforce development agencies—may consider whether and how ERNs or a similar approach might be used to develop new services or enhance existing ones in their own local communities.

Employer Resource Networks: Uniting Businesses and Public Partners to Improve Job Retention and Advancement for Low-Wage Workers

]]> Increasing Employment Stability and Earnings for Low-Wage Workers: Lessons from the Employment Retention and Advancement Project https://www.buildingbetterprograms.org/2014/04/09/increasing-employment-stability-and-earnings-for-low-wage-workers/ Wed, 09 Apr 2014 16:05:54 +0000 http://www.buildingbetterprograms.org/?p=190 Read more]]> The Employment Retention and Advancement (ERA) project was launched in 1999 to identify and determine the effectiveness of different program strategies designed to promote employment stability and earnings growth among current or former welfare recipients and other low-income individuals. Using random assignment research designs, ERA tested 16 different program models in eight states and estimated effects over a three-to four-year follow-up period. The focus of this synthesis is primarily on the 12 programs that targeted more employable groups, as opposed to “harder-to employ” groups, such as individuals with known disabilities. Three of these 12 programs produced consistent increases in individuals’ employment retention and advancement, and the others did not. The project points to some strategies that succeeded in improving retention and earnings among low-income single parents and provides some lessons.

OPRE report – Increasing Employment Stability and Earnings for Low-Wage Workers: Lessons from the Employment Retention and Advancement (ERA) Project

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