Adapting the Federally Registered Apprenticeship For the IDD Population

1. Adapting the Federally Registered Apprenticeship For the IDD Population

2. Introductions J Gibbs, Director AFES Guest Speakers Elizabeth Perkins & Kim Gee, VR MO

3. Mission: Turning Abilities into Opportunities. Vision: Abilities First will expand opportunities, empower voices, and enable citizens with developmental disabilities to realize their dreams.

5. Discussion Topics • Why we chose this employment pathway • How we collaborated for success • Employment Solution NOT Employment Program • Solution Overview • Solution Design • Documentation • Funding Sources • Policy and Procedures • Overcoming Challenges

6. Some History • The first Registered Apprenticeship - Wisconsin in 1911, the US Congress passed the National Apprenticeship Act (known as the "Fitzgerald Act") in 1937, establishing federal Registered Apprenticeship. • Missouri has in excess of 14,000 apprentices state wide • Skills attainment taught while on the job!

7. Why We Chose this Employment Pathway • Demand Side Employment Driven – The employers have the jobs – Apprenticeship is a great platform to discuss an ongoing solution • Apprenticeship – “for the most part” – offers a guaranteed position • Structured training and ongoing supports • Win-Win-Win / Individual / Employer / Community

8. How We Collaborated for Success • Starting from nothing is equal parts • Market research is critical • Who should be a partner • Community Leaders • Business Leaders • Federal & State Government Leaders • Local Support Groups • School System

10. Guest Speakers Elizabeth Perkins & Kim Gee VR MO

11. Employment Solution NOT Employment Program • What this solution could mean to the IDD population • How this can further our mission as a state • Ways this can benefit – Individuals / Community / Employers • Expanding the number of people we can serve due to various funding sources • Other ideas

12. New Approaches Take Time and Commitment

13. Solution Overview • Solution Design • Documentation • Funding Sources • Policy and Procedures • Overcoming Challenges

14. Design • Two Main Parts: Related Technical Instruction (RTI) and On the Job Training (OJT) • RTI is classified as pre-vocational training but only represents a small percentage of the overall Apprenticeship • This is a demand side employment solution • Candidates are hired for open positions with a participating company

16. How We Are Structured and Why • Rural vs. Suburban vs. Urban • Filling a Gap

17. Documentation

18. Documentation – Dept of Labor (DOL) • (must keep for five (5) years) • Appendix E (Employer Acceptance Agreement) • Appendix A (Detailed Job Description of Occupation w/ RTI and OJT skills) • Appendix B (Apprenticeship Agreement) • Application and summary of qualifications • Proof of previous work experience

19. Documentation – DOL (cont.’) • Interview Records • RTI Attendance Records and Evaluations • OJT Progress Evaluations • Wage and Hours Worked Records • Record of job assignments, promotions, layoffs, terminations, graduation

20. Documentation – MORAP • (Missouri Registered Apprenticeship Program) • MORAP Registration Forms • Competency Testing – EDITS

21. Documentation – CARF • (Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities) • Outcome Measurements (measures access, effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction) • Community Awareness (marketing materials, brochures) • Individual-Centered Service Planning (Employment Plan w/ specific and measurable objectives and monitoring, Participant Handbook w/ agency’s policies/procedures) • Criteria (entry, transition, exit) • Release of Information Forms (HIPAA) • Skills Training (for apprentices and staff) • Program Evaluation (satisfaction surveys)

22. What is required to Track & Report • RAPIDS (Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Data System) - all employers, occupations, apprentices, wages, hours, and status changes within 45 days of occurrence. • MORAP (Missouri Registered Apprenticeship Program) - upload all MORAP registration forms to MORAP Box- Apprenticeship Outreach Scan with Quarterly Report (Contacts)- Apprenticeship Participant Report with Quarterly Report (Apprentices) • ETPS (Eligible Training Provider System)- register sponsor(s) and all DOL approved occupations

23. Funding Sources

24. Funding Sources • WIOA (Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act of 2014 ) has provided funding through approved partners which include workforce development, technical colleges, and universities. • The funding funnels from WIOA through various mechanisms including Missouri Registered Apprenticeship Program (MORAP) • Private funding/grant • Collaboration with other programs

25. Policies and Procedures • Cooperate in the selection of apprentices as outlined by DOL. • Ensure all apprentices have signed Apprenticeship Agreements. • Establish minimum standards of education and experience required of apprentices. • Register all apprenticeship information/changes with the Registration Agency (RAPIDS) within 45 days of occurrence. • Arrange for evaluations of apprentices’ progress in manipulative skills and technical knowledge.

26. Policies and Procedures (cont.’) • Maintain records of all apprentices showing timelines, education, experience, and progress in learning the occupation. • Provide each employer and apprentice with copy of DOL Apprenticeship Standards. • Meet apprenticeship qualifications (age, education, physical, communication). • Minimum of 144 hours RTI required (unpaid or paid). • Supervision = adequate supervision of journey worker in OJT. • Regular monitoring of progress while in OJT.

27. Bumps in the Road

28. Identify open employment opportunities that are consistent over time • Develop apprenticeships based on short and midterm demand • Develop partnership with Workforce Development and or Trade School who is approved • Resource allocation & time

29. One Team One Mission • For More Information • Contact • JW Gibbs • jgibbs@abilitiesfirst.net • 417-370-5948