Reposted from OCTAE Connection – Flash Edition
March 6, 2015
The departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Labor continue our exciting work together on career pathways systems building and programs. In April 2014, we issued a joint Request for Information (RFI) for information and recommendations about career pathways from stakeholders in the public and private sectors.
A diverse group of 141 respondents from across the nation responded. We received information about existing career pathways systems, roles and responsibilities of career pathways partners, connections to economic development strategies, how pathways systems are funded, how participant outcomes are measured, and how providers ensure that pathways stay current with labor market trends.
An interagency team has been reviewing and analyzing the responses and is happy to share this summary report with overarching themes from the RFI. The report includes facilitators and barriers to career pathway(s) development and implementation. It also includes promising practices and recommendations for what federal, state, tribal, and local agencies can do to support the successful development of career pathways systems.
The report concludes with an overview of key opportunities to advance some of the major recommendations in light of recent developments, such as the passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. (Did you know that career pathways are referenced no fewer than 21 times in the new law? That is exciting news for our work in this area!)
The information obtained through the RFI will be used to inform technical assistance efforts, funding opportunities, policy discussions, and other activities to support the development of career pathways systems. Stay informed of our ongoing work at this link.