Healthcare continues to be one of the highest-growing industries in LA County; even through the Great Recession, new jobs were created in healthcare at a steady pace. In order to connect job seekers with careers in healthcare, the MCS Healthworks Partnership received in funding $5 million dollars from the Department of Labor, effective 2011-15.
Last week, a Grantee Conference entitled “Investing in High Skills” was held at the Department of Labor in Washington DC. One of the featured panels was entitled “Job Placement Strategy: Building Strong Partnerships with American Job Centers (AJC).” MCS, as one of the few grantees operating an American Job Center, was asked to present best practices. The panel was moderated by Wendy Havenstrite from the Division of WIA Adult Services and Workforce System, Employment and Training Administration; the other speaker was Lila Calla from the Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services.
About the Panel
The Workforce Investment System across the US should be an integral part of any local program or initiative requiring training and placement in high-demand occupations, particularly mid- and high-level jobs. Partnering with others in the community, including business and industry, education and training providers ,and community-based organizations is essential to the success of American Job Centers in meeting local demand for work-ready job seekers. This session discusses lessons learned, tips for partnering, and potential impact of improving your AJC relationships all framed around supporting job placement and employment data tracking.
About MCS Healthworks
MCS Healthworks (MCSHW) is a partnership between the South Bay WIB, MCS, four (4) Industry Associations, five (5) Educational Institutions, six (6) Collaborative Partners, and over forty-five (45) Employers. The latter are among the largest healthcare employers in LA County, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Good Samaritan Hospital, and Valley Presbyterian Hospital. Industry Associations include the Hospital Association of Southern California, Community Clinic Association of LA County, and Home Healthcare Workers of CA; Educational Institutions include all twenty-one (21) campus locations for the Los Angeles Community College District, various locations for the San Bernardino Community College District, and Cal State Dominguez Hills; finally, Collaborative Partners include the LA County WIB, City of LA WIB, the City of LA Community Development Department, and Children’s Hospital of LA.
MCSHW targets high-growth occupations in healthcare, implementing strategic workforce development innovations that combine customized classroom training with earn-and-learn models: over 50% of program funds were directed toward training and earn-and-learn opportunities.
The program has provided 802 participants with education/training leading to industry-recognized credentials. Currently in its third year, MCSHW reached its goals fifteen (15) months in advance of the contract end.