This report presents the results of the Green Jobs and Health Care Impact Evaluation’s Implementation Study conducted for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) by Abt Associates and Mathematica Policy Research. Part of a larger impact evaluation, this implementation study documents the design, operation, and participation patterns for four DOL-grant funded job training programs (two in health care and two in "green" occupations) and concludes with key findings and lessons related to the operation of the programs. The study found that the programs served disadvantaged but varied populations. Program participation levels were high, with relatively high completion rates. Many participants attended sequences of training courses, although, by design, the length of training was short (2 to 4 months). In addition to occupational training, to varying degrees, the programs included academic and personal supports and financial and employment assistance. Program administrators reported sustained institutional benefits from operating the grant program.

Affiliation: Abt Associates; Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

Authors: Copson, Elizabeth; Martinson, Karin; Benson, Valerie; Benson, Michael; Mastri, Annalisa (Mathematica); Needels, Karen (Mathematica); Williams, Julie

Key words: unemployed; disadvantaged; low-income; low-skill; green jobs; health care; energy efficiency and renewable energy; training programs; high growth sectors; emerging industries; Pathways Out of Poverty; career pathways; implementation study; impact evaluation