Factors Contributing to Successful Training and Employment Programs for Underserved Workers: Job Train As an Exemplar for Environmental Career Worker Training Programs

Introduction.  With support from the NIEHS, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) Environmental Career Worker Training Program (ECWTP) provides pre-employment and health and safety training to workers from underserved communities.  Their East Palo Alto-based training program provider, Job Train, was originally established to address the high rates of unemployment, poverty, and crime that existed in this community.  The purpose of Job Train is to improve the lives of people in their community through assessment, attitude and job skills training, and high potential career placement.  Therefore, specific elements of Job Train’s ECWTP were designed to address this disparity and help community members find and keep worthwhile and well-paying jobs.

Methods.   The effectiveness of Job Train’s ECWTP was systematically evaluated with respect to the five National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences criteria for worker training programs (e.g., recruiting, training, and placing underserved and disadvantaged people for sustainable employment opportunities).  Quantitative and qualitative data was gathered from major program stakeholders including current and graduated students, and representatives from local community groups, labor unions, environmental contractors, and academic institutions.  Statistical and content analyses were conducted on the data to identify best practices and lessons learned including specific program strategies and techniques to enhance Job Train’s ECWTP program effectiveness.

Results.  The Job Train ECWTP model is designed to effectively address the significant impediments to training and employment that challenge underserved and disadvantaged people. Specific factors were identified as critical to program success. These factors include: Life/Essential skills training with a focus on creating individual development plans addressing the major barriers inherent to their personal and professional growth; establish and fostering community advisory boards that are active program stakeholders and provide information and services thereby better leveraging scarce resources; use of social media for student recruitment and program marketing. The most effective programmatic factors help Job Train provide a holistic and comprehensive service program.

Conclusion.  The Job Train ECWTP has made significant contributions to environmental justice by providing training and increasing job opportunities to people from underserved and disadvantaged communities. The program serves as an exemplar in addressing the needs of its community in a meaningful way and imparting the best practices and lessons learned that can be shared among programs and communities with similar training and development needs.