DIRECTIVE	:	TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION NOTICE NO. 23-99
TO	:	ALL STATE WORKFORCE LIAISONS ALL STATE WORKER ADJUSTMENT LIAISONS ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES ALL ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER SYSTEM LEADS
FROM	:	LENITA JACOBS-SIMMONS Deputy Assistant Secretary
SUBJECT	:	UPDATED PUBLICATION: Assessing Workforce Development Systems...Benchmarks for Mature and Older Workers

1. Purpose. To distribute copies of the recent publication of the updated

2. References. Training and Employment Information Notice No. 1-98.

3. Background. In June 1998, the first edition of Assessing Workforce Development Systems: Benchmarks for Mature and Older Workers was printed and disseminated. Developed by the National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA), with funding from the Retirement Research Foundation and assistance from a State and national advisory committee, the Benchmarks provide strategic guidance for integrating older worker needs and preferences with WIA and the One-Stop System.

   The Benchmarks and their accompanying indicators may be used to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the plans, programs, and services now being designed under WIA and the One-Stop service system, in responding to the needs and preferences of mature and older workers. The

   Several State and local projects have found the Benchmarks to be a valuable tool in working with the One-Stop Centers to integrate older worker programs and services with One-Stop operations. This enables the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) to become an integral partner of the "mainstream" employment and training community. For example, the California Employment Development Department has integrated the Benchmarks into its local monitoring tool to ensure that the new workforce development system will be responsive to the needs of this growing customer group -- the mature and older worker. The Los Angeles County Private Industry Council used the Benchmarks during a retreat for new Workforce Investment Board members as part of an orientation to customer needs. Older Worker projects will find this tool helpful when working with the Workforce Investment Act partners.

4. Availability. NASUA has recently updated the original Benchmarks to reflect the Workforce Investment Act language and requirements. The Department's Division of Older Worker Programs has reprinted these revised Benchmarks and has sufficient quantities available to fill requests from the field.

   Additional quantities of this publication may be ordered from David Richardson at fax number (202) 501-2135. We encourage use of this resource as you work toward integrating older worker programs and services into One-Stops and the WIA delivery system.

5. Inquiries. Questions should be directed to your ETA Regional Office or to Karen Davis at 202-219-5904 x115 or E-mail: kadavis@doleta.gov.

6. Attachment. Assessing Workforce Development Systems...Benchmarks for Mature and Older Workers

NOTE: Attachment not available to DMS