Youth Programs. Commonwealth Corporation. Preparing youth in Massachusetts for the 21st century workforce. APRIL

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1 APRIL 2011 ssociate s Degree Bachelor s Degree Animal Care Breast Sonography Central Processing Complementary Care Computer Networking Comp upport Specialist Culinary Arts Culinary Arts - Hospitality Management Dance Education Database Programming and Administration Deaf tudies: Sign Language Interpreter Dental Assisting Diagnostic Medical Sonography Direct Support Certificate Early Childhood Developmen ommerce Marketing Management Electronic Equipment Attainment Technology Energy Utility Technology of Entrepreneurial Studies Excel Applications pecialist Graphic Design Graphic Design/Desktop Publishing Help Desk Hospitality Management Human Services Information Managem pecialist Law Enforcement Magnetic Resonance Mammography Medical Assistant Medical Billing Medical Coding Medical Information anagement Assistant Medical Lab Assistant Medical Terminology Certificates and Transcription Network Technology in and Administration PACS Admini edical Imaging Paralegal Studies Patient Care Technician Physical Fitness Polysomnography Radio Frequency Identification Sales & Market mall Business Management Studio Art Surgical Technology Travel and Tourism Management Travel Services Management Vascular Sonograp ascular Technology Web Development Associate s Degree Massachusetts Bachelor s Degree Animal Care Breast Sonography WIA Central Processing Compleme are Computer Networking Computer Support Specialist Culinary Arts Culinary Arts - Hospitality Management Dance Education Databas rogramming and Administration Deaf Studies: Sign Language Interpreter Dental Assisting Diagnostic Medical Sonography Direct Support ertificate Early Childhood Development e-commerce Marketing Management Electronic Equipment Technology Energy Utility Technolog Youth Programs ntrepreneurial Studies Excel Applications Support Specialist Graphic Design Graphic Design/Desktop Publishing Help Desk Hospitality As anagement Human Services Information Management Specialist Law Enforcement Magnetic Resonance Mammography Medical Assistant edical Billing Medical Coding Medical Information Management Assistant Medical Lab Assistant Medical Terminology and Transcription N echnology and Administration PACS Administration Medical Imaging Paralegal Studies Patient Care Technician Physical Fitness Polysomno adio Frequency Identification Sales & Marketing Small Business Management Studio Art Surgical Technology Travel and Tourism Managem Preparing youth in Massachusetts for the 21st century workforce. ravel Services Management Vascular Sonography Vascular Technology Web Development Associate s Degree Bachelor s Degree Animal Care developed by Commonwealth Corporation

2 Table of Contents 1. Introduction Overview and Definition of Terms Key Features of Certificate Programs Certificate Programs and Awarding Entities A. State Educational Agency...8 B. Institution of Higher Education...8 C. Industry/Employer Recognized...10 D. Registered Apprenticeship...16 E. Regulatory Agency...17 F. Dept. of Veterans Affairs...18 G. Job Corps...19 Recommended Resources...22 Evaluating a Local Certificate Program...23 Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 2

3 INTRODUCTION Introduction Certificate programs are an important element in the youth workforce development system. Ideally, obtaining a certificate or gaining certification indicates that youth have mastered competencies and knowledge relevant in the labor market. This handbook is designed to help Workforce Investment Act (WIA) partners understand one of the key outcomes, used in assessing and reporting progress in WIA youth programs the Attainment of Certificates measure. The guide outlines the elements required in a certificate program in WIA and provides examples of certificate programs that are awarded in Massachusetts. This information can help WIA providers shape programming that provides skills relevant for the 21st Century and is linked to the needs of employers and career interests of youth. Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 3

4 S E C T I O N T W O F OVERVIEW AND DEFINITION OF TERMS Overview and Definition of Terms The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Attainment of a Degree or Certificate measure captures the number of program participants who attain a degree, including a diploma or GED, or a certificate meeting the definition adopted in 2006 by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) advisory system, Training and Guidance Letter (TEGL) # Operational Parameters: Education refers to participation in secondary school, postsecondary school, adult education programs, or any other organized program of study leading to a degree or certificate. Individuals in secondary school at exit will be included in this measure. The term diploma means any credential that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) accepts as equivalent to a high school diploma. A diploma also includes post-secondary degrees including an associates (AA and AS) or a bachelor s degrees (BA and BS). Diplomas, GEDs, or certificates can be obtained while a person is still receiving services or at any point by the end of the third quarter after the exit quarter. Work readiness certificates will not be accepted under this measure. Discussion: Individuals in secondary school at exit are included in this measure. This policy is consistent with ETA s vision to ensure youth successfully complete their secondary education, which will ultimately lead to better long-term success in the workforce. ETA recognizes that work readiness skills are a valued skill set that will lead to successful employment and retention and encourages programs to continue to provide work readiness skills. However, the focus of the certificate measure is attainment of measureable technical or occupational skills rather than work readiness skills. Although there may be work readiness certificates developed or in development, many of these certificates focus primarily on basic skills, which are covered under the literacy/numeracy measure. It would be duplicative to include the attainment of basic skills under this measure (TEGL 17 05). Measure [Numerator] The number of youth participants who attain a diploma, Calculation: GED, or certificate by the end of the third quarter after the exit quarter [Denominator] The number of youth participants who exit during the quarter (of those enrolled in education at the date of participation or at any point during the program) Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 4

5 S E C T I O N T W O F OVERVIEW AND DEFINITION OF TERMS Degree/Diploma: Certificate: These terms refer to any credential that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) accepts as equivalent to a high school diploma. The term diploma also includes post-secondary degrees including Associates Degrees (AA and AS) and Bachelor s Degrees (BA and BS). Post-secondary degrees may be award by institutions of higher education describes in section 102 of the higher education act (20 USC 1002). These include community colleges, proprietary schools, and all other institutions of higher education that are eligible to participate in federal student financial aid programs. A certificate refers to a credential that is awarded in recognition of technical or occupational skills and abilities acknowledged by employers as standards for meeting requirements of employment or advancement in employment. Obtaining a certificate usually requires passing a valid and reliable assessment that measures achievement (TEGL 17-05). A certificate program that meets the requirements of the Massachusetts WIA youth program must be skills-based, career-focused, employer-recognized, and provide measurable occupational or technical skill attainment. Further elaboration of these program attributes is provided below: Skills-based Career-focused Employer- Recognized Measurable A certificate program should be skills-based, with certificates awarded in recognition of attainment of specific occupational or technical skills. A certificate program should be focused on skills and abilities that open up doors to specific career opportunities. Some certificate programs may provide occupational training focused on a specific career, such as one of the building trades or automotive repair. Other certificate programs may provide technical skills, such as advanced computer training, that may be used across a variety of different career areas or job titles. The certificate program should focus on skills and abilities that are acknowledged by employers as standards for meeting requirements of employment or advancement in employment. The certificate should be awarded based on measurable skill attainment. Participants in the certificate program should be able to demonstrate skills and abilities through an assessment that is valid (reflecting the skills needed in employment) and reliable (providing fair and consistent results for a variety of test-takers). Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 5

6 S E C T I O N T H R E E F KEY FEATURES OF CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS Key Features of Certificate Programs WIA Youth programs seek to offer access to certificate programs that offer young people opportunities for employment and career growth in the local labor market and beyond. The ideal certificate programs provide training that fits into the participant s long-term career goals and that matches the needs of the labor market. Key features of the ideal certificate program include the following: Leads to employability Linked to work opportunities Is portable Matches personal goals Provides opportunity for career growth The certificate should be one that is a key factor in employment decisions. The type of certificates being offered to participants should be in a field where youth can find work opportunities, based on an assessment of the labor market trends. If appropriate, the certificate may also be one that can be used in a different state or in a different labor market. It has to have the same generally accepted status and recognition from place to place. The type of certificates being offered should be in line with the participant s personal career aspirations while at the same time be realistic in terms of the available careers in the contemporary labor market. The young person must be a partner in the decision to pursue the course of training leading to a certificate. The certificate should facilitate longer-term career advancement opportunities. Participants should be referred to certificate programs after an individualized assessment of short-term employment goals and long-term career options and career ladders. NOTE: Certificates awarded by local workforce investment boards or any other entities for preemployment or work readiness skills are prohibited (TEGL 17-05). Also, the completion of an On-the-Job Training (OJT) cannot be considered as a positive outcome for this measure. Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 6

7 Certificate Programs and Awarding Entities There is a wide variety of certificate programs suitable for WIA youth programming in Massachusetts. Many WIA youth programs already have strong connections with certificate programs that meet the Common Measure requirement; other programs offer possibilities for new partnerships. Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) # identifies eight types of entities that may award certificates that would be considered valid under the Common Measures. A. State Educational Agency B. Institution of Higher Education C. Industry/Employer Recognized D. Registered Apprenticeship E. Regulatory Agency F. Dept. of Veterans Affairs G. Job Corps H. Institution of Higher Education (Indian Tribe) The following list of programs is designed to give WIA youth program providers an idea of the scope and range of certificate programs. Because of the large number of certificates offered through the above-mentioned entities, is difficult to catalogue all of them in a short publication. It is important to note that local workforce investment boards need to exercise diligence in ensuring that the certificate programs they choose meet the standards stated in TEGL and are awarded in recognition of valid and reliable assessments of skills and abilities acknowledged by employers to have special relevance in employment decisions. The chart that follows provides a listing of certificate programs with details about the awarding entities. Each listing includes quick and detailed examples of certificate programs that meet the Attainment of Certificates standard. This checklist of key features may help program planners evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different certificate program options. Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 7

8 A. State Educational Agency Definition Quick Examples A state educational agency or state agency responsible for administering vocational and technical education within a state. High School Diploma Certificates of Occupational Proficiency (MGL c.69 id(iii)) Discussion IN MASSACHUSETTS, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) oversees vocational and technical programs in Massachusetts secondary schools. A directory of all vocational and technical education programs is available from the agency s Career/Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) unit, online at In addition to high school programs for students, some vocational and technical programs offer programs at night to adults. Some others offer admission to limited numbers of young adults who take vocational classes during the school day alongside traditional-age students. Sources of Information For more information: B. Institution of Higher Education Definition An institution of higher education described in Section 102 of the Higher Education Act (20 USC 1002) that is qualified to participate in the student financial assistance programs authorized by Title IV of that Act. This includes community colleges, proprietary schools, and all other institutions of higher education that are eligible to participate in federal student financial aid programs. Quick Examples A selection of community college certificate programs Associate s Degree Bachelor s Degree Certificate Programs for Example: Animal Care Breast Sonography Central Processing Complementary Care Human Services Information Management Specialist Law Enforcement Magnetic Resonance Mammography Medical Assistant Medical Billing Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 8

9 B. Institution of Higher Education Quick Examples A selection of community college certificate programs Computer Applications Computer Networking Computer Support Specialist Culinary Arts Culinary Arts - Hospitality Management Dance Education Database Programming and Administration Deaf Studies: Sign Language Interpreter Dental Assisting Diagnostic Medical Sonography Direct Support Certificate Early Childhood Development e-commerce Marketing Management Electronic Equipment Technology Energy Utility Technology Entrepreneurial Studies Excel Applications Support Specialist Graphic Design Graphic Design/Desktop Publishing Help Desk Hospitality Management Medical Coding Medical Information Management Assistant Medical Lab Assistant Medical Terminology and Transcription Network Technology and Administration PACS Administration Medical Imaging Paralegal Studies Patient Care Technician Physical Fitness Polysomnography Radio Frequency Identification Sales & Marketing Small Business Management Studio Art Surgical Technology Travel and Tourism Management Travel Services Management Vascular Sonography Vascular Technology Web Development Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 9

10 Discussion and Further Examples IN MASSACHUSETTS, the state s community colleges, public and private colleges and universities, and private technical schools provide higher education options for young adults that meet the definition provided here. At the community colleges, students may choose career-focused degree or certificate programs, ranging in length from shorter-term certificates to two and four year degree programs. FOR WIA YOUTH PROGRAMS, multiple opportunities exist for collaboration with community colleges and other institutions of higher education. Physical Fitness Certificate Computer Information Business Systems Programming Program Description: The Physical Fitness certificate program offers instruction in nutrition, cardiovascular and strength training, personal training and instruction, and fitness facilities operations. In addition, the program provides students an opportunity to achieve the ACE Personal Trainer Certification, a nationally recognized credential. Classroom training and on-site experiences are provided. After completing the program requirements, students are qualified for employment as group exercise instructors, personal trainers or fitness instructors at health and fitness clubs, and community organizations or other fitness facilities. The Business option of the Computer Information Systems Programming certificate emphasizes Java and C++ programming languages, as well as some basic business or math and science courses. C. Industry/Employer Recognized Graduates of this program may be employed as programmers using one of the following computer languages: Java, C++, HTML/XTML (if selected as a professional elective). Graduates will also have credits toward the Computer Information Systems - Business Systems Option A.S. Degree Definition A certificate awarded by a professional, industry, or employer organization (e.g. National Institute for Skills, Inc., Machine Level I credential) or a product manufacturer or developer (e.g. Microsoft Certified Database Administrator, Certified Novell Engineer, Sun Certified Java Programmer) The certificate should be awarded using a valid and reliable assessment of an individual s knowledge, skills and abilities. Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 10

11 Quick Examples Examples of professional certifications: Automotive Repairs Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) MassBay Community College Automotive Technology Program Toyota TEN General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP) DaimlerChryslter Apprentice Program (CAP) * BMW program Software Applications Specialists Retail Trades Safety Instructors Local Utility Workers Important Note: Industry/employer recognized certificate programs that do not count toward Common Measure. Microsoft Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) Microsoft Certified Application Professional (MCAP) Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) National Retail Federation (NRF) Foundation National Professional Certification in Customer Service The National Professional Certification in Sales National Professional Certification in Retail Management American Safety & Health Institute Instructor American Heart Association Instructor American Red Cross Health & Safety Service Instructor First Aid Instructor CPR Instructor Bloodbourne Pathogen Instructor * Other Health and Safety Instructor Middlesex Community College Energy Utility Certificate Program (National Grid) Another type of industry/employer recognized certificate is awarded based on short-term training in areas such as safety, that are important to the workplace however not an occupational or technical skills. Certificates in First Aid or CPR, OSHA training or ServSafe food safety training do not by themselves meet the definition in TEGL These certificates are valuable assets for any individual, but, unlike the programs and certifications described above, do not represent a full well-rounded set of career skills, and are not likely to be a key to hiring or promotion decisions. While the certifications and program certificates described in this section represent Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 11

12 Important Note: Industry/employer recognized certificate programs that do not count toward Common Measure. competency in a career area, certificates like First Aid, CPR, OSHA or ServSafe represent knowledge of a particular topic, generally safetyrelated knowledge. The following should not be considered as sufficient for the Attainment of a Certificate measure: A single safety-related certificate, such as First Aid, CPR, ServSafe or OSHA safety training; A certificate awarded based on attendance or completion of a class, rather than an assessment of skills and knowledge; A certificate that represents a specific or foundational skill, such as workplace safety, rather than a comprehensive set of industryrelated skills and knowledge. A workplace readiness certificate. Training in basic foundation and safety skills is extremely valuable, and the resulting certificates are good assets for job seekers and employees, and so these skill training activities are valid components of WIA programming. However, on their own, they do not open doors to hiring or promotion so would not be considered attainment of a certificate. However, a training that certifies people as instructors of a nationally recognized safety training would meet the criteria. If a WIA program provides a comprehensive career-related program of study that provides several short-term certifications related to a desired career, the package of certificates could be considered for the Common Measures attainment of a certificate. WIA providers may contact Commonwealth Corporation to discuss any special situations involving a package of shorter-term certificates. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (STET) example of a professional certification is the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certificate, which can be earned by individuals in the automotive technology field upon completion of an exam in one or more areas of expertise and documentation of two years of experience. Education and training may be substituted for some of the experience requirements. For example, two years of community college or vocational school automotive program study could substitute for one year of required experience. Read more about the ASE certificate at: Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 12

13 National Professional Certification in Customer Service Another example of professional certification is a fairly new certification program developed by the National Retail Federation (NRF) Foundation. The NRF has developed industry skill standards that describe skills needed in retailing, and, subsequently, has developed three certification programs: one for entry-level customer service and first-line supervisors; one for sales; and one for retail management. These certifications can be earned upon completion of a computerized assessment test. The computerized assessment is made up of multiple choice questions based on real-life customer service scenarios some of which are presented using video and audio. The assessment is delivered via the Internet; however, it must be proctored and other minimum test delivery specifications must be met. Read more about the NRF certificates at: Click on NRF Foundation along the left menu; then click on Industry Certification also along the left menu. Computer Industry Certifications Many companies in the computer industry provide certification processes for professionals who have expertise in the company s products and technologies. According to the website GoCertify.com: According to GoCertify.com, there are more than 200 technical certifications students can earn including 3COM Master of Network Science (MNS), Sun Certified Java Developer, Certified Network Expert (CNX), and IBM Certified AS/400 Professional System Administrator. Technical certifications can be divided into two categories by type of sponsor or vendor. The first (and largest) category is vendorsponsored certification made up by vendors who offer certifications related to their product lines. Cisco Systems, IBM, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), Adobe, Microsoft, Novell, and Bay Networks are examples. The second category is vendor-independent (vendor-neutral) certification sponsored by professional groups. Examples include the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) developed by the Certified Computing Professional (CCP) designation; the A+ Service Technician Certification overseen by the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA); and the Network Professional Association (NPA) that has come out with the Certified Network Professional (CNP) program. Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 13

14 Computer Industry Certifications Comptia A+ Certification Read more about computer-industry certifications at: GoCertify.com CompTIA is an industry group that offers computer certifications that offer vendor neutral certifications. The CompTIA A+ certification demonstrates competency as a computer technician. This certification is for entry-level (6 months experience) PC hardware technicians. This is a popular first certification, especially for individuals switching from another career to computers. Candidates must pass two exams ($163 each): a core essentials exam, plus a choice of 4 other exams which each cover material related to specific job roles such as PC Technician, Remote Support Technician, and Depot Technician, among others. The exams can be taken in any order. Microsoft Certifications Examples of Microsoft certifications include: Microsoft Certified Application Professional (MCAP) is designed for individuals who work with 2007 Microsoft Office system and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server. There are a number of designations to choose from, including organizational support, creating and managing presentations, content management and collaboration, and budget analysis and forecasting. Each of these requires passing one exam. Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) is designed for individuals who wish to demonstrate skill with one or more Microsoft Office applications. This will eventually replace the MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) program. Read more at: or Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 14

15 Energy Utility Technology Certificate Middlesex Community College offers a good example of an employer-recognized and employer-sponsored certificate program. The Energy Utility Technology Certificate is a nine-month program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the utility industry. The industry has forecast a strong need for new employees in the next several years for positions such as line workers, meter workers and substation maintenance personnel. The program includes courses that give students an introduction to the energy utility industry; knowledge of direct and alternating current circuits; generation, transmission and distribution of electricity; industrial safety; and computer applications. In addition, students will get hands-on experience at the National Grid training facilities in Millbury, Mass. For more information: Direct Support Certificate Another interesting example of an employer-recognized certificate program is a program developed for human services staff through a collaboration of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation and the Massachusetts Community Colleges. The DMR Direct Support Certificate Program is offered at eight community colleges, and provides credits of study designed for individuals currently working in the human services field. It was designed based on industry skill standards for human service providers, and seeks to help human services staff to build skills, identify long-term career goals in the field, and improve quality of care, improve staff retention and help staff to build satisfying careers. Read more about the DMR Direct Support Certificate at any of the participating community college websites, including: edu/pages/humanservices_dmrcertificatenew.html MassBay Community College Automotive Technology MassBay Community College offers four concentrations in their Automotive Technology program that provide both an Associates degree and an employer-recognized certificate. Students can choose concentrations in General Motors, Toyota, DaimlerChrysler or BMW, and earn certificates that make them highly marketable as technicians for automobile dealerships. Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 15

16 Sources of Information The national website for One-Stop Career Centers provides a database of industry certificates that can be searched by certificate name, awarding organization, occupation or industry. Go to: From the home page click on Education + Training and then click on Find > Certification Courses. For computer industry certifications: Go Certify: For a wide range of accredited certification programs: National Organization of Competency Assurance: From the home page click on NCCA Accredited Certification Programs. NCCA the National Commission For Certifying Agencies - was created as an outgrowth of NOCA in NCCA accredited programs certify individuals in a wide range of professions and occupations including nurses, automotive professionals, respiratory therapists, counselors, emergency technicians, crane operators and more. To date, NCCA has accredited over 190 programs representing 78 organizations. D. Registered Apprenticeship Definition Quick Examples A registered apprenticeship is a plan for administering a skilled trade(s) or craft(s) profession requiring special abilities which has been recognized by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship, Training, Employer, and Labor Services and by the Department of Workforce Development. Carpentry Electrical and Telecommunication Plumbing Aircraft Engine Mechanic Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 16

17 Discussion IN MASSACHUSETTS, the Division of Apprentice Training oversees registered apprenticeship programs. There are many possible apprenticeship programs: Apprenticeship programs may be sponsored by unions, employers or industry groups. Apprenticeship programs may be ongoing established programs for groups of apprentices or an individualized program for a single apprentice. There are more than 850 occupations in a wide range of industries that can be sponsored through apprenticeship training, 101 of which are currently registered with 452 Massachusetts employers. The Division of Apprentice Training s website lists currently registered apprenticeship opportunities in Massachusetts, including links to those offered by labor unions. It also provides information about how employers or other entities can sponsor new apprenticeship opportunities. Website: FOR WIA YOUTH PROGRAMS, apprenticeship offers interesting options, both for helping youth gain access to existing apprenticeship opportunities and for working with employers or industry groups to create new apprenticeship programs. Sources of Information Division of Apprentice Training: E. Regulatory Agency Definition A public regulatory agency, upon an individual s fulfillment of educational, work experience, or skill requirements that are legally necessary for an individual to use an occupational or professional title or to practice an occupation or profession (e.g., FAA aviation mechanic certification, state certified asbestos inspector). Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 17

18 Quick Examples Licensed Barber Commercial Drivers License Cosmetologist Manicurist Dispensing Optician Home Inspector Marriage and Family Therapist Physical Therapist Physical Therapist Assistant Real Estate Broker Discussion In Massachusetts, the Division of Professional Licensure oversees Boards of Registration for licensed occupations. Website: The boards of registration in Dentistry, Nursing, Nursing Home Administrators, Perfusionists, Pharmacy, Physician Assistants and Respiratory Care are licensed by the Department of Public Health) with technical support services (License Search, Locate a Professional, Change of Address and more) provided by the Division of Professional Licensure. Website: Sources of Information Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure website: Massachusetts Department of Public Health website: F. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Definition Quick Examples A program that has been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer education benefits to veterans and other eligible persons. PC Tech Microsoft Certifications Security Guard Training Culinary Arts Training Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 18

19 Discussion and Further Examples In Massachusetts, nonprofit veteran service organizations can receive federal grants to provide employment and training services to veterans, including life skills, pre-vocational and vocational courses. Examples of nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts include the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Boston or Massachusetts Veterans in Worcester. Certificates from vocational courses, such as PC technician training, culinary arts training, security guard programs, and programs to prepare for Microsoft certifications would count as certificates under Common Measures. Certificates from pre-vocational or life skills courses, such as resume writing or computer literacy could be part of an overall service strategy but would not count as certificates under Common Measures. As with any of the certificates that would be counted under Common Measures, certificates from Veterans Programs must be able to measure a technical or occupational skill necessary for career advancement. G. Job Corps Definition Discussion Job Corps is a no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 through 24 improve their earning potential. Students who enroll in the program to learn a trade, earn a high school diploma or GED and get help finding a good job. Job Corps also provides career counseling and transition support to its students for up to 12 months after they graduate from the program. IN MASSACHUSETTS, there are three Job Corps centers: Grafton Job Corp Center in Grafton Shriver Job Corp Center in Devens Westover Job Corps Center in Chicopee Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 19

20 Grafton Job Corps Center Grafton Job Corps Center 100 Pine Street North Grafton, MA Tel: (508) Fax: (508) For more information about the Grafton Job Corps Center, visit our Web site at Capacity: 305 total: 130 men, 130 women (residents); 5 men, 35 women (nonresidents). Vocational Offerings: Culinary Arts, Electrical Wiring, Facilities Maintenance, Military Careers Preparation Program, Business Technologies (Data Entry, Receptionist, Medical Coding and Billing, Medical Receptionist, Word Processing), Plumbing, Residential Youth Care Provider (Advanced), Security Officer, Health Occupations (EKG Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Certified Nurse s Aide, Rehabilitation Technician, Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse). Shriver Job Corps Center Shriver Job Corps Center 270 Jackson Road Devens, MA Tel: (978) Fax: (978) For more information about the Shriver Job Corps Center, visit our Web site at Capacity: 300 total: 170 men, 102 women (residents); 14 men, 14 women (non-residents). Vocational Offerings: Business Career Center: Business Clerical, Computer Technician, Transportation Communications Union (TCU, an advanced trade), Sun Microsystems Unix Training (an advanced trade). Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 20

21 Shriver Job Corps Center Services Career Center: Culinary Arts, Automotive Technician, Health Occupations (includes CNA, EKG Technician, Dental Assistant, and Phlebotomy). Construction Career Center: Carpentry (with United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America), Cement Masonry (with OPCMIA), and Painting (with International Painters and Allied Trades Union). Westover Job Corps Center Westover Job Corps Center 103 Johnson Drive Chicopee, MA Tel: (413) Fax: (413) For more information about the Westover Job Corps Center, call (800) 733-JOBS or (800) Capacity: 555 total: 255 men, 245 women (residents); 5 men, 50 women (non-residents). Special Features: ESL programs for Latino and Asian students. Evening program with Child care for non-residential students. Vocational Offerings: Business Clerical, Hotel/Motel Clerk, Culinary Arts, Auto Repair Technician, Welder, Plumber, Glazier, Sign Painter, Accounting, Electrician, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Painter, Landscape Technician, Retail Sales, Telecommunications. Sources of Information See the websites cited above. Or the JobCorps website: Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 21

22 Recommended Resources TEGL Provides clarifications that replace existing guidance with a single, unified Department of Labor guidance document on the common measures and WIA Section 136 performance accountability system. Available online at: USDOL FAQ TEGL Questions Career One Stop Competency Model Clearinghouse Workforce 3 One A listing of frequently asked questions that provide clarifications on definition of a certificate vs. a certificate. Available online at: Provides a resource list of certifications and skill standards. Available online at: A database of workforce focused resources including curriculum, competency models, research findings, case studies, career lattices, and web-based tools. Available online at: TEGL Provides guidance around leveraging registered apprenticeship as a workforce development strategy for the workforce investment system. Available online at: Certification Finder A directory of certifications that allows user to search for by keyword, industry, or occupation. Available online at: Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 22

23 Evaluating a Local Certificate Program This checklist of key features may help program planners evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different certificate program options. Skills-based Feature Partners/Stakeholders Program Description Employer-based Employer recognized Career focused Measurable Portable Attainment of Certificates in Massachusetts WIA Youth Programs 23