Subsidized Work Experience in the Private Sector and Occupational Accessing [microform] : Strategies for Employing Disadvantaged Youth. Final Report

Two approaches to private sector participation in employment and training programs for economically disadvantaged out-of-school youth (16-21 years old) are discussed in this report. The two approaches are: (1) subsidized work experience in the private sector, which tries to foster good work habits leading to employment; and (2) occupational accessing, which attempts to link youth with jobs in rapidly growing industries or established industries experiencing skills shortages. Part I deals with two model subsidized work experience programs: Project Opportunity (in rural Wisconsin) and Open Road/New Jobs (Los Angeles, California). Part II discusses two model occupational accessing programs: the Machine Trades Training Program for Youth (Cleveland, Ohio) and Career Pathways in Energy Conservation (Boston, Massachusetts). The report describes all four models in theory and practice; analyzes termination data, participant follow-up results, and program impact; discusses cost-effectiveness; and presents employer analyses. Appendixes contain supplementary tables, information on controlling for selection bias, and a comparison of cost analysis methods. (CMG)