HIGHLIGHTS
- Sector-specific training programs boost workforce outcomes, but scaling-up remains challenging.
- Abt will identify scalable strategies to improve access to quality jobs.
- Insights will offer adaptable, actionable models for future workforce policies.
PROJECT
Sectoral Strategies and Employer Engagement Portfolio(SEEP) Services
The Challenge
In today’s rapidly evolving economy, ensuring that workers are equipped with the skills to succeed in high-demand industries is a persistent challenge. Although sector-specific training programs—designed to train job seekers for in-demand roles—have proven to be effective approaches to enhancing economic outcomes bringing these programs to scale continues to a be a challenge. Furthermore, equitable access to these opportunities has been limited, leaving many groups, especially historically marginalized populations, without a feasible pathway to critical skill sets connecting them with competitive and meaningful employment opportunities.
The Approach
This project aims to build evidence around effective sector training strategies that enhance economic outcomes and promote equity and well-being for workers, particularly those from underrepresented populations. Additionally, it seeks to identify promising methods for engaging employers in these efforts.
Supporting the U.S. Department of Labor(DOL), Abts evaluation team will identify scalable workforce strategies that increase accessibility to high-quality, equitable career pathways. SEEP will rigorously evaluate three DOL grant programs addressing critical workforce needs, including training in nursing, IT, and manufacturing fields.
The Results
This five year evaluation will provide the DOL and stakeholders with actionable insights and scalable models for sector-focused workforce programs, helping to build effective strategies that expand access to high-quality, equitable career paths. By offering adaptable training models that align with specific industry needs, our work will establish an evidence base for future policies, highlighting the importance of sector strategies that foster career advancement and meaningful employment for all workers.