pathways to growth: job development, retention and advancement for out-of-school youth

Pathways to Growth

Job Development, Retention & Advancement Strategies for Out-of-School Youth

Presented by Michele Martin

(c) 2005 All Rights Reserved--The Widing Group

Serving Two Customers

Businesses want: Access to trained,

qualified workers who will stay on the job, have no “issues”

A “guarantee” Pre-screening

Delivery on promises

Minimal hassle

Youth want: Work they enjoy

and can reasonably do

Work that supports their standard of living

To “fit in” Consistency &

honesty


Who is the Job Developer’s Primary

Customer?


Roles of Job Developer--Business

Business Advocate Understand, communicate expectations of

business to youth, other staff Serve business needs

HR Professional Clear job descriptions/skill requirements Pre-screen & referral

Marketer


Roles of Job Developer--Youth

Educator/Coach Prepare youth for independent job

search Prepare youth to meet business

expectations Provide feedback to youth

Assessment Specialist Know youth and their needs


Serving the Business Customer


Before Contacting Business

Understand the Labor Market

Know Your Supply of Young People Skills, characteristics, numbers

Identify your Resources for Engagement One-Stop, Chamber, SHRM, etc.

Know Your Products and Services Transition, Retention, Advancement, Re-

Employment


Transition

Pre-screen candidates to fit specific business and job requirements

Conduct on-site Orientations and/or business-specific training for youth job seekers

Provide business with “support services” kit (useful for all entry-level job seekers)


Retention

Help business accurately communicate expectations, requirementsHelp business outline a 3-month training plan (can be used with other entry-level workers)“Call us before it becomes a crisis”Work with front-line supervisors, not just HR.


Advancement

Surveys—what additional training can be provided to youth to move along a career path?Plan for “Upgrade OJT”Coordinate industry-specific forums focused on identifying and meeting changing skill needs


Re-Employment

“What happened? How can we make sure it doesn’t happen again?”Pro-active conflict resolution processes


Marketing and “Selling” to Business


The Marketing Plan

Define customer base

Create key messages

Outline marketing strategies


Defining the Customer Base

You want workplace partners who have: A record of hiring youth Skill shortages among entry-level workers Cooperative labor/management relations Commitment to employee training and

diversity A need that could be filled by your program Visible involvement in community and

educational issues


Key Messages

Reduced training and recruitment costs

Increased productivity

Pre-screened applicants

Reduced turnover because of long-term support & follow-up

Professional, customer-driven business services


Marketing Strategies

General awareness Media campaigns, special events

Targeted Marketing Direct mail, telemarketing

Direct recruitment Sales presentations, job fairs,

networking, direct sales calls


Customer Service

Identify and respond to specific business needsSpeak the language of businessUse business standards of communication E-mail, voice-mail, websites

Solve problems & create solutions—no excusesUnder-promise and Over-deliver


Making the Sale

Understand business motivation—everyone is different

Pick a Strategy Build on what exists Solve a business need Invest in your community

Anticipate and overcome objections

Allow for a full range of participation options

Establish concrete next steps


Following Up

Be the single point of contactEnsure business needs/expectations are being metDeliver on your promisesMeasure and share resultsStay in continuous contact to develop relationships


Supporting Youth


Prepare Youth Effectively

Program should communicate/reinforce “culture of employability”Communicate high expectations/high supportClearly communicate skill requirements, business expectationsAnticipate, identify and resolve barriers & challengesHave contingency plans, back-up supports


Service Guiding Principles

Work with Working Individuals

Just in Time Service Interventions

Solve Problems in Context


Working with Working Individuals

Workshops/seminars in non-work hoursOn-site child care for eventsOn-line courses, supportsConnect youth with on-the-job mentors for coaching, supportProvide services in youth’s community (FBOs, CBOs, etc.)


Just-in-Time Services

Collect and analyze data on “predictable” events for all participants.Work with youth and employer to plan out natural sequence of events, problems, potential accomplishments, etc.Plan actions to coincide with events “How to Prepare Your Taxes” in Jan/Feb “Now that You’re Settling In” after a month on

the job


Solve Problems in Context

Activities should be tangible, relevantIntegrate contextual problem-solving— “Money management” courses aren’t

relevant until youth has money to manage Transportation doesn’t become a problem

until the youth can’t get to work or is late Filing income taxes becomes more

important in January when a refund is due


Transition Services & Strategies

Support “best fit” with job

Exit Interview

1st Day Follow-up

Anticipate 1st day, 1st week, 1st month problems

Transition funds for before 1st check (i.e., transportation, lunches, etc.)


Retention—Who is Working 6 months later?

Interested in and enjoys the work

Possesses the skills to do the work

Has formed positive relationships with supervisor(s) and co-workers

Is making enough money to support expected standard of living

Has effectively dealt with both expected and unexpected problems

Company is a “good match” for the customer’s values


Retention Services

Long-term career planning supportHelp youth connect to at least ONE person at the worksiteHow to handle performance reviews, supervisor feedback, work “cliques,” etc.“Whatever it takes” ongoing contact for relationship buildingPro-active contingency planning and access to “emergency” servicesHelp youth anticipate reality of paycheck vs. expenses


Advancement Services

Teach “strategic job hopping”Continue job development after placementProvide information on and direct access to ongoing career ladder trainingAlumni groups, networking opportunities


Re-Employment Services

“What happened? How can we solve that problem so you don’t lose your job again?”Get feedback from employer and work with youth to address for the futureOngoing career exploration and planning—”What did you learn from that experience?”


Presented by:Michele Roy

The Widing Group936 N. 5th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19123(215) 923-4059