INTO THE WEEDS: The Wind River Job Corps, in an effort to effectively guide job placement partnership initiatives, dug deep into data provided by Wyoming and Colorado economic and workforce development agencies. The data analysis represents a first step in the plan for developing strategic industry partnerships for the benefit of Wind River Job Corps students.

Each state (from where WRJC students generally originate and often return after graduation) provided 2-year outlooks for job growth by occupation. This growth reflected jobs created as industries grow, as well as position turnover. Included in the data are wages at various stages of employment (10th percentile reflecting entry level, 25th percentile reflecting increased experience and/or training), allowing a view of how current placements align with industry standards. We were additionally able to tighten the focus on occupations well-served by WRJC’s 11 trades. Layering on center placement data provided a clear picture of where to focus CTS/BCL efforts.

From the data we are able to establish 5 initiatives that would lead to improved placement and wage performance:

• Expand relationships in strong industries that use multiple trades such as mining, construction and health care
• Develop relationships with companies that have entry level positions in multiple states, particularly Wyoming and Colorado
• Every placement partnership solicitation needs to include office support staff position recruitment
• Seek avenues to re-purpose petroleum skillsets

• Establish and/or promote value of USJC training to impact higher beginning wages

Partnership development efforts have a strong tool moving forward.