View Research by Author - Kellie Isbell

Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/KellieIsbell

The purpose of this study was to learn about occupational mobility within and across three industries: health care, hospitality, and childcare. Seven focus groups were conducted with low-age workers in three locations; 68 individuals participated. Fifteen interviews were conducted with employers and industry associations. The information collected was analyzed to understand how different industry structures and skill requirements might interact to promote a more favorable environment for low-skill workers; to identify opportunities for improved mobility and advancement of low-wage workers in certain service industries; and to recommend policy and research approaches that encourage and enhance these opportunities.

This report summarizes the literature describing the scope and characteristics of employer-based training in the United States and the accumulated evidence concerning its effectiveness. This literature review categorizes the types of programs or strategies that show promise in terms of improving skills or increasing productivity. Both Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and private training are included in this review, with an emphasis on training for those who have characteristics similar to JTPA participants and on those programs that offer occupational skills training.

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