Career Pathways
Career pathways are long-term, comprehensive strategies utilizing workforce
and education systems to integrate education, training and work that are targeted
to high-wage, high-demand employment.
Career pathways provide a framework to structure the employment and training
offered by community colleges, employment and training agencies, social service providers, and the
government agencies responsibility for training and supporting welfare recipients, the unemployed
and working poor.
What is the purpose of Career Pathways?
Career Pathways bridge the gap between well-paying jobs and unemployed, undereducated workers
- For the individual: career pathways provide access to and facilitation of continuous upgrade training in fields that offer good pay, benefits, and career advancement.
- For employers, career pathways offer strategies for recruitment and training of new employees, skills upgrade for existing employees, and improved retention.
- For economic development agencies and other government officials, career pathways help ensure the vitality and growth of the local and regional economy by helping employers and key economic sectors.
Who are Career Pathways Partners?
- CBOs and social service agencies can recruit individuals isolated from post-secondary
education and career opportunities, as well as provide needed social support services during their
tenure in the program.
- Workforce agencies can direct resources toward community colleges to provide financial and
operational support in a city or region.
- ABE providers can offer preparatory services and provide a bridge to community college
programs.
- Local employers can help define needed worker skills and provide internships and work sites
to deliver upgrade training to workers at all skill levels.
What are the Career Pathways initiatives on Cape Cod and the Islands?
As a result of the Conference held on October 24, 2003, three groups have
formed to advance the following strategies.
1. Awareness and Recruitment
- Creating a "traveling road show" about healthcare careers
2. Education and Training
- Developing consistent communication tools
- Developing role models through shadowing
3. Career Advancement and Retention
- Offering first time supervisor training
- Advocating for creative benefits packages
- Developing mentor relationships