1 Ready to Work  ENGAGING EMPLOYERS Apprenticeship in Pennsylvania Work up-front with employers to In apprenticeship programs, individuals are hired and earn determine local or regional hiring wages while they participate in training that leads to a needs and design training programs higher-wage job. The MANUFACTURING 2000 (M2K) entry- that are responsive to those needs. level machining program, run by New Century Careers, is an Job-driven training begins by apprenticeship program that recruits un/underemployed working with employers, industry and low-income individuals and provides hands-on training associations, and labor unions early developed in collaboration with industry in addition to in the process of designing technical math, machine theory, blueprint reading, and education and job training metrology. Skills are verified through National Institute of programs. Training programs Metals Working Skills standards and credentials. An employer expo upon completion of the program provides on- should coordinate with employers site interviewing, employment offers, and indefinite job to make sure they train individuals placement assistance. Fees are paid by partner companies with skills that have a high that hire M2K graduates help sustain the program. likelihood of leading to employment. Programs should also seek employer commitments to contribute to the program through the provision of work-based learning opportunities and/or commitments to hire program graduates.  EARN AND LEARN Offer work-based learning opportunities with employers – including on-the-job training, internships and pre-apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships – as training paths to employment. While classroom time can be important, individuals can quickly learn skills where hands-on experience in a work environment is integrated with classroom learning. Job-driven training programs aim to include work-based learning opportunities that best suit their participants. These can include paid internships, pre-apprenticeships, Registered Apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.  SMART CHOICES Make better use of data to drive accountability, inform what programs are offered and what is taught, and offer user-friendly information for job seekers to choose programs and pathways that work for them and are likely to result in jobs. In order to determine what skills should be taught and to guide job seekers as they choose what to study and where to apply for jobs, programs should make better use of data to understand current and projected local, regional, state, and national labor markets. These data may include information on the number and types of jobs available; projected regional job growth; and specific job characteristics, skills requirements, and career opportunities. These data should be publicly available and easily accessible by job seekers. 8