Here's a workplace education program that might work Sunday, November 03, 2002 In workforce development, we often focus on young people coming into the workforce or on workers who have recently lost their jobs. But there is another group that deserves close attention: people already in the workforce. 80% of the workforce for the year 2010 is already in the workforce. Unfortunately, too little attention is being paid to workplace education, especially for workers on the olower end of the pay scale. Most workplace education programs are geared to higher level, higher skilled positions. That's why a new pilot program in Indiana deserves the attention of EDPros. It establishes Lifelong Learning Accounts that can be used for educational expenses. Employees can use the money in these accounts for educational activities, including GED preparation, language classes and certificate and degree courses. Employees have to contribute a minimum of $120 and can contribute up to $500. Employers match the employee contribution, also up to $500. Public and foundation money will then match each account with a contribution up to up to $1,000. From the perspective of either the employee or the employer, they get a 3:1 match on their investment. They have 3 years to use the money. Aside from the leverage in this program, I like two other features. First, it moves us toward a "consumer-led", instead of a "provider-led" workplace training system. Second, this program can be carefully customized. A similar pilot program in Chicago, for example, targets restaurant workers. (Ther Indiana pilot targets employees in manufacturing and the public sector.) The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) designed both pilots. CAEL is a national non-profit organization that promotes adult learning in partnership with individuals and groups including educational institutions, employers and labor organizations. EDPros interested in workplace education can learn more about the Indiana pilot program. Go Learn more about Lifelong Learning Accounts and CAEL. Go. posted by Ed Morrison |		This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. links Some Background on EDPro Weblog The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it. One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information. So, spread the word...Share the knowledge. Tell a friend about EDPro Weblog. If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site: Here's the link if you are a bloglines subscriber: Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking. Background on Ed Morrison Download some background information on me here.

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