Case Study: Finding a Pathway to Apprenticeship for Union Members

November 2006

The Organization: New Jersey State AFL-CIO

The state's American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) comprises more than 1,000 labor unions, with more than 1 million members

The Challenge:
Finding a way to identify individuals ready for union apprenticeship and advanced trade training

The Solution:
WorkKeys® assessments and skill training

The Results:
A common language for educators, union officials, and students that provides a benchmark for apprenticeship

Situation
New Jersey business and industry are heavily unionized. The AFL-CIO's apprenticeship programs are the first step into careers in such industries as construction, computer programming, culinary arts, hotel/restaurant management, retail, and auto repair.

Apprenticeship involves intensive, years-long, on-the-job training in skilled trades. Before those skills can be taught, the unions seek apprentices with strong foundational skills.

The United States Department of Labor (DOL) requires labor unions to set standards for entrance, most often through a skill exam. The DOL also mandates that unions set up programs to diversify membership. Not meeting these standards can be costly to companies. In New Jersey, if a company fails to meet state-mandated diversity goals, the state can fine the company thousands of dollars. To reinforce this goal, the DOL offers grants for programs that successfully promote diversity in recruitment.

Needs
Union affiliates of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO needed a skill assessment system that would act as the main pathway into apprenticeship programs, with training designed to improve examinees' scores.

Solution
Affiliates of New Jersey's AFL-CIO use WorkKeys as an entrance exam into apprenticeship. Unions currently have two programs that use WorkKeys, both designed by a state policy committee:

Construction Trades for Women and Minorities—This state-funded program uses union employees to improve schools in urban areas. It is designed to promote construction industry job opportunities for women and minorities, leading to union membership.

Youth Transition to Work—This school-to-work program is geared to transition high school students into apprenticeships. Unions work with high schools statewide to align their curricula with skills needed in apprenticeship programs.

These programs stem from statewide partnerships involving schools, unions, businesses, and community and faith-based organizations. WorkKeys is used to determine which candidates have strong foundational skills, and bring those individuals lacking the skills up-to-speed. Schools and organizations use training materials from Worldwide Interactive Network (WIN) and KeyTrain to help individuals pass the tests.

North New Jersey Iron Workers has a training program that represents five locals in that region, and it is heavily involved in both the Construction Trades and Youth Transition to Work programs. Ron Repmann, training director for the organization, said he trains hundreds of individuals each year in both programs. For each, WorkKeys scores weigh heavily in the apprenticeship selection process. "There's a good chance that with the right training, people will succeed in getting into a trade," said Repmann. "WorkKeys helps us ensure that apprentices are ready for that training."

Results

WorkKeys gives schools, businesses and unions a common language, providing a measuring stick for students' skills that is in line with labor needs.

WorkKeys gives union leaders a benchmark for apprenticeship.

Hundreds of individuals have earned apprenticeship in the Youth Transition to Work and Construction Trades programs, with enrollment high each year.

Outlook
AFL-CIO affiliates plan to expand WorkKeys use to more than 30 programs involved in apprenticeship. Meanwhile, it is helping New Jersey communities apply for grants that will fund existing apprenticeship programs through the AFL-CIO.

Repmann said schools are also getting in line with the programs as a way to create career paths for graduates. He works with 150 to 250 students each semester in the Youth Transition to Work program. "As it grows, word is spreading that a relationship with the labor unions is the way to go," he said.