State and federally-funded workforce programs need to continue sharing data and resources while adapting to changes brought by COVID-19. That's the biggest takeaway from Indiana’s Legislative Services Agency annual workforce programs report for legislators.
This year’s report noted that, unlike in the past, unemployed workers didn’t need to actively search for a job to get benefits and restrictions on business, schooling, and travel have affected jobs. As a result even though unemployment rates have skyrocketed, the number of people using re-employment services at WorkOne centers across the state is down about 20 percent.
The agency also found room for improvement in career and technical education – or CTE – classes. Although high school students in CTE programs perform better in school and get better paying jobs after graduation, non-white and urban students take fewer of those classes.
Despite increased state funding to prioritize training for high-demand jobs, there’s little evidence more students are taking those classes.
Contact reporter Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.
