A recent article by the NY Times claims that the unemployment rate is 3.9 percent and that businesses are desperate for workers, while a large number of people cannot find a job. Furthering their statement to say that those unable to find a job often suffer from a mismatch in skill sets. The workers have skills, just not the skills that employers are seeking.
One solution is to train the workers in a designated field, such as training in construction, auto mechanics or hospital patient care.
There are a number of programs that are doing just that, and they have proven to be very successful at getting students into high-paying jobs. One such organization is NH&RA member, Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC), a nationwide organization that provides financing and technical support to community organizations.
Three years ago, LISC joined forces with New Community—an accredited post-secondary school in Newark, to improve its wallet-related programs. LISC aided New Community in starting and funding, one of about 90 community organizations with, a financial opportunities center.
Additionally, LISC’s innovation, Bridges to Career Opportunities, which New Community started two weeks ago, teaches basic math, science and reading – all tailored to each course.
This holistic approach is what separates LISC and its partners from the other job-training programs.
