RochesterWorks! Emerging Worker Model

Fundamental to the creation and growth of a sound, inclusive youth investment system that can successfully engage and develop our emerging workforce, is the commitment and ability of key state and local community leaders to position, support and grow the capacity of collaborative efforts involving grant funding and/or otherwise.

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The Emerging Worker Model of RochesterWorks! focuses on how our community can create an environment/system that addresses the interests of family, business and industry, K-12 education, workforce development, youth groups, community and faith-based organizations, local government officials, and others.

This model is an evolving document. We invite your feedback. Please contact John Premo , (585) 258-3535.

In the development of the Emerging Worker Model of RochesterWorks! the Monroe County/Rochester Youth Council identified a handful of core components indicated as "Results" and listed as "Key Result Area" on the chart below . These components are either required elements of funding sources or critical findings following proven research. Since youth are our emerging workforce the Council believes these items to be essential to any youth programming that includes successful workforce development.

Central to the emerging worker model is the linking of a caring adult to provide a positive role model, guidance, support and friendship to each youth participant. In addition every youth will be provided the opportunity to build skills and competencies that enable them to successfully manage life tasks such as learning, forming relationships, solving everyday problems, and resolving conflict peacefully, as well as obtain and keep suitable employment.

The Monroe County/Rochester Youth Council is committed to funding and/or otherwise supporting programs that demonstrate the ability to effectively provide the above-mentioned components. Further the Council is committed to being a leader/convener in bringing together the necessary community stakeholders to bring about this integrated and coordinated effort of preparing our area's emerging workforce.

Definitions

Emerging Work Force Systems Model
A framework to create an environment/system that addresses the interests of family, business and industry, K-12 education, workforce development, youth groups, community and faith-based organizations, local government officials, and others. Central to the emerging worker model is the linking of a caring adult to provide a positive role model, guidance, support and friendship to each youth participant. In addition every youth will be provided the opportunity to build skills and competencies that enable them to successfully manage life tasks such as learning, forming relationships, solving everyday problems, and resolving conflict peacefully, as well as obtain and keep suitable employment.

Workforce Development
A system comprised of education, job training, vocational education, worker retraining, and other entities that help develop the necessary skills and competencies of existing and potential workers that allows them to meet the job requirements of the workplace.

Job/Work Readiness
Personal skills and attributes that, when observed, demonstrate a person's ability to obtain and maintain employment. The skills are defined in the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) learning standards published by NY State Education Department.

Apprenticeship
A program that places a person under the formal tutelage of a skilled worker(s) to learn a trade or occupation. An apprenticeship is generally a formal agreement between the trainee and employer that specifies the length (time) of the apprenticeship, and the training and education required to complete the program and obtain certification.

Structured Work Experience
A structured work experience is one that has been agreed upon by all parties; the student, the employer, the school district and the parent/guardian. There are a variety of structured work experiences that have been designed for youth ages 14-21 that are recognized by either or both the State Education Department and local school districts some of which include: Youth Apprenticeships, Cooperative Education, Internships, Work Study, volunteer opportunities, etc. These programs provide guidelines and requirements for students, schools, and employers. Examples of these are hours of work, compensation, school credit, etc.

Regular Employment
Any type of work performed or services rendered in exchange for money or other benefit under a contract of hire, written or oral, expressed or implied.

Stakeholders
Those individuals or groups who have an interest in, are served by, or have something to gain or lose based on the performance or outcome of the organization, project, etc. It is important to know the identity of the stakeholders and their expectations for performance and/or outcomes. Some of the stakeholders for the Emerging Worker Systems Model are employer/business partners, schools, community based organizations, funders, youth, Work force Investment Board.

School to Career Experience
An activity that provides a link between an educational environment and a work environment that helps youth attain job/work readiness skills.

Certificate of Employability
Documentation by an institution that an individual has demonstrated their advanced readiness for employment by the completion of equivalent programs such as:

• Certificate of Employability - Rochester City School District
• Career Zone
• Demonstrating SCANS skills