Why Do Sectoral Employment Programs Work? Lessons from WorkAdvance

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Katz, Lawrence F.; Roth, Jonathan; Hendra, Richard; Schaberg, Kelsey
• 署名单位: Harvard University; National Bureau of Economic Research; Brown University
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF LABOR ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0734-306X
• DOI: 10.1086/717932
• 发表日期: 2022
• 页码: S249-S291
• 关键词: returns; education

摘要

This paper examines the evidence from randomized evaluations of sector-focused training programs that target low-wage workers and combine up-front screening, occupational and soft-skills training, and wraparound services. The programs generate substantial and persistent earnings gains (12%-34%) following training. Theoretical mechanisms for program impacts are explored for the WorkAdvance demonstration. Earnings gains are generated by getting participants into higher-wage jobs in higher-earning industries and occupations, not just by raising employment. Training in transferable and certifiable skills (likely underprovided from poaching concerns) and reductions of employment barriers to high-wage sectors for nontraditional workers appear to play key roles.