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Evaluating local workforce development programs in Upstate New York, USA

Author

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  • Carlos J. L. Balsas
  • Anthony Swingruber
  • Yen-Fu Lin

Abstract

Workforce development programs in the United States have increasingly focused on two critical approaches: Learning at work and experience as education. Workforce development programs are increasingly aimed at making territories more competitive by strengthening labor markets and helping to meet the needs of employers in significant sectors of the economy. Workforce development in Upstate New York is an important step forward in preventing the region from lagging behind other regions in the country. In this paper, we examine the role of the Capital Region Workforce Investment Board, a local workforce improvement board under the supervision of the New York State Workforce Investment Board. Specifically, we evaluate the impacts of the new Capital Region Workforce Investment Board’s Program on the federally funded Workforce Investment Act of 1998 Adult Program priorities. Before-and-after analysis comparing the program outcomes in two four year periods, 2006–2009 and 2010–2013 are presented. The results of the new plan are mixed across several key performance indicators. Evidence shows that the new focuses increased the average earnings of program participants in a situation where employment rates decreased slightly. Significant industries for 2012–2022 are also reviewed.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos J. L. Balsas & Anthony Swingruber & Yen-Fu Lin, 2018. "Evaluating local workforce development programs in Upstate New York, USA," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 33(4), pages 349-366, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:loceco:v:33:y:2018:i:4:p:349-366
    DOI: 10.1177/0269094218777805
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:mpr:mprres:7141 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Paul T. Decker & Jillian A. Berk, 2011. "Ten years of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA): Interpreting the research on WIA and related programs," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(4), pages 906-926, September.
    3. W. Norton Grubb & Lorraine M. McDonnell, 1996. "Combatting program fragmentation: Local systems of vocational education and job training," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 15(2), pages 252-270.
    4. Neigher, William D., 2003. "The process is the plan: defining strategic community futures," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 26(4), pages 441-457, November.
    5. repec:mpr:mprres:7419 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Paul T. Decker, 2011. "Ten Years of WIA Research," Mathematica Policy Research Reports 6f5198a0ebb6497ca878fe066, Mathematica Policy Research.
    7. Paul T. Decker & Jillian A. Berk, "undated". "Ten Years of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA): Interpreting the Research on WIA and Related Programs," Mathematica Policy Research Reports aecf2c5c6f334999b46a7cda5, Mathematica Policy Research.
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