Individualized Approach

Individualized approach
"Individualized programs are less likely than other kinds to put primary emphasis on specific hard skills. They tend to focus more broadly on help with career exploration and acquisition of more general skills. Most do not offer their own training, but connect participants to existing training opportunities elsewhere in the community, of varying duration and intensity."

Benefits

• Programs are not limited by the number of employers or sectors they must work with
• Large base of employer customers is available
• Programs have more flexibility around serving the individual
• Programs are not as dependent on specific shifts in the labor market or a specific
  business' needs

Challenges

• Approach is more theoretical than the other approaches
• Focus is on the entire individual rather than the concrete action of acquiring a specific skill set
• Current state government approach leans toward a strong work-first mentality, which precludes a completely individualized approach

Families Forward Example: Women Achieving New Directions partnership

• Initially experienced difficulties recruiting and retaining clients in their program
• Design change brought particularly positive results
• Established a family night for participants, which allowed working mothers to bring their children with them
• Offered educational sessions for the children to help expand the women's support structure; the children would understand why their mother was pursuing training and how that would help their family