2 Nuts and Bolts ENGAGING EMPLOYERS Engaging Health Care Employers in Milwaukee  Work up-front with employers to The Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board determine local hiring needs and partners with Aurora Health Care (Aurora), a local design training programs that are employer, to provide certified nursing assistant responsive to those needs – from training. The WIB works with Aurora to understand which employers will hire. Job-driven the skills that nursing assistants need and trains training begins with working with students in a hospital setting, providing them with employers, industry associations, and hands-on learning opportunities. Because of the labor unions early in the process of relationship with employers and the work-based designing education and training learning, graduates of the program are more likely programs. Training programs should to get job offers from area hospitals. More than coordinate with employers to make half of the students in the training are employed by sure they are training individuals with Aurora, and many others are hired by other health skills that have a high likelihood of care employers or choose to pursue further training and education. 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 Earn and Learn Apprenticeship in Pennsylvania  Offer work-based learning In apprenticeship programs, individuals are hired opportunities with employers – and earn wages while they participate in training including on-the-job training, that leads to higher-wage jobs. The internships, pre-apprenticeships and MANUFACTURING 2000 (M2K) entry level Registered Apprenticeships – as machining program, run by New Century Careers, training paths to employment. While is an apprenticeship program that recruits classroom time can be important, un/underemployed and low-income individuals individuals learn best by doing, and and provides hands-on training developed in individuals can quickly learn skills collaboration with industry in addition to technical where hands-on experience in a work math, machine theory, blueprint reading, and environment is integrated with metrology. Skills are verified through National classroom learning. Job-driven training Institute of Metals Working Skills standards and programs should aim to include work- credentials. An employer expo upon completion of the program provides on-site interviewing, based learning opportunities that best employment offers, and indefinite job placement suit their programs. These can include assistance. Fees are paid by partner companies paid internships, pre-apprenticeships, that hire M2K graduates help sustain the Registered Apprenticeships, and on- program. the-job training. 29