Developing Workforce Opportunities with Transit: Regional Stories AICP CM 1.5 3 regions = 3 distinct stories. How are workforce initiatives in Denver, Seattle and the Twin Cities helping businesses and economies grow along transit? Leaders from community colleges, cities and counties share their experiences. Models include: a training and employment program for transit construction and operators; a corridor-level model focused on employees and business development and retention; and an innovative approach to developing a food hub employment center near new transit. Moderator: Jennifer Billig, Policy Consultant, Mile High Business Alliance, Denver, Colorado Katrina Wert, Director, Regional Workforce Initiative, Community College of Denver, Colorado Janet Guthrie, Senior Policy Analyst, Ramsey County, Manager's Office, St. Paul, Minnesota Nora Liu, Community Development Manager, Department of Planning & Development, City of Seattle, Washington

2. WIN Mission
 Meet the workforce needs of employers
 Connect local residents to career
opportunities in the transportation and
construction industries

3. WIN and FasTracks
WIN currently operates on six transit
infrastructure projects:
 Eagle P3 Rail Line
 US 36 Bus Rapid Transit Corridor (w/CDOT)
 North Metro Rail Line
 Redevelopment of Denver Union Station historic
building
 I 225 Rail Line
 Alameda Station redevelopment (w/ City of Denver)

4. Who WIN Serves
 In 2013, 352 served through general and targeted
career services (20% increase over 2012)
 Currently 391 active enrollees—192 placed individuals,
85 job seeking /training participants and 103 incumbent
workers seeking advanced training
 45% reside in priority zip codes adjacent to FasTracks
construction
 69 individuals employers on six projects

5. Services for Employers
 Pre-screening and recruiting for
new positions
 Training for new hires or existing
workforce
 Career pathway planning for
existing workforce
 Provide connections to local
training programs and
community organizations
 Hiring incentives such as Work
Opportunity Tax Credits, and
salary reimbursements offered
through state and city resources
Services for Participants
 Placement and job search
assistance
 Career building—coaching,
networking opportunities, and
skills training both pre-and post-
placement
 Industry awareness—information
on industry trends direct from the
hiring employers to support
interview and on-the-job success
 Supportive services to eliminate
barriers to employment success

6. WIN Network Partner Benefits
54 organizations including non-profits, community
colleges, apprenticeship programs, small businesses,
trade associations, and public workforce system
 Provides diverse training options for entry-level,
middle-skilled, advanced, and entrepreneurial skills
development
 Combines post-placement resources with employment
preparation to increase job retention
 Leverages resources and reduces costs

7.  WIN develops positions in 3
categories--craft/technician; office
administration and professional
services
 192 placements on 6 projects; target
between 75 and 90 positions per
year
 Current avg. starting wage is $16.03
hourly ($33,342 annually)
 On average, 13% of WIN
participants advance into new
positions within 6 months
Employment Outcomes

8. • 85% of WIN applicants
participate in pre-placement
training or coaching
• 40% of WIN participants
enroll in post-placement
training
• 24% access post-placement
supportive services
• 93% of WIN placements are
still working 3 months later
Training and Resource Outcomes

9. By focusing on the needs of employers, career paths for participants,
collaboration to enhance impact, and retention support, WIN produces
positive community economic-development outcomes