Sector-Based Training Programs

Without adequate skills training, many individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, can get stuck in a “low pay, no pay” cycle. Research has shown that sector-based training programs — which train people for high-quality jobs that align with the labor force needs of employers in targeted industry sectors — can raise individuals’ employment rates and earnings. But sector-based training programs are small and expanding them to a level that meets the economic need of workers has been challenging. This MDRC brief presents results from interviews with stakeholders in the workforce development field as well as lessons learned from earlier studies of sector-based training programs.