The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) today (October 11) announced the award of a $1.9 million contract to develop pilot projects focused on apprenticeship opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities in high-growth industries.
ODEP awarded a two-year contract to Social Policy Research Associates Inc. (SPRA) of Oakland, California, to research, develop, test, and evaluate innovative strategies in existing apprenticeship programs that provide skills training to people with disabilities. Efforts will specifically focus on quality pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pilots in high-growth industries such as information technology, healthcare, and emerging sectors. SPRA will document and share best practices so that other apprenticeship efforts may replicate promising approaches.
"Apprenticeships are a proven strategy for connecting job creators with motivated, highly skilled workers, yet people with disabilities are disproportionately underrepresented in apprenticeship programs and in the workforce at large," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Jennifer Sheehy. "This project will help us determine ways to ensure people with disabilities acquire the skills and credentials needed to obtain an in-demand position in a high-growth business or industry, where jobs pay family sustaining wages."
Today's announcement grows out of President Donald J. Trump's Executive Order on Expanding Apprenticeship in America , which calls for increasing the number of apprentices in the U.S. across all industries.
ODEP works to increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities by developing and influencing policies and practices. For more information on ODEP and this contract award, visit https://www.dol.gov/odep /.
USDA Seeks Comment on Study of SNAP E&T Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will conduct a study Assessment of Mandatory SNAP E&T Programs to examine program features and administrative practices of mandatory State SNAP E&T programs.
Section 17 [7 U.S.C. 2026] (a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, provides general legislative authority for the planned data collection It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into contracts with private institutions to undertake research that will help to improve the administration and effectiveness of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in delivering nutrition-related benefits.
This study will help FNS understand what data exists on how well mandatory programs help SNAP participants gain skills, certificates, and credentials as well as stable, well-paying jobs. While the intent of the mandatory E&T program is to assist SNAP participants in "gaining skills, trainings, or experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular employment," little is known about whether or how specific E&T processes and services affect a participant's likelihood of participating or being sanctioned. In particular, little is known on whether complex intake or referral processes, rather than a lack of interest in participating in E&T, may negatively impact participation in mandatory programs.
The findings from this study will identify lessons learned and best practices for operating mandatory E&T programs.
FNS has published the thirty-day PRA notice in the October 16 FEDERAL REGISTER. Comments submitted to the Office of Management and Budget by November 15 will be accepted.
See: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-10-16/pdf/2018-22449.pdf
Department of Labor Publishes Thirty-Day PRA Notice for "America's Promise Job-Driven Grant Program Evaluation"
The Department of Labor has published the thirty-day PRA notice for the "America's Promise Job-Driven Grant Program Evaluation".
Comments are due by November 14, 2018.
See: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-10-15/pdf/2018-22348.pdf