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This episode explores the expanding role of apprenticeships for both employers and career-seekers. Tune in to discover how paid on-the-job training programs benefit businesses through increased retention and return on investment. You'll also hear about how various industries beyond construction trades are leveraging apprenticeships to build talent pipelines and enhance workforce diversity. Guest Kaila Shannon from Philadelphia Works reveals the range of resources available locally and nationally to engage with apprenticeship programs. 

Philadelphia Works’ Research Analyst Sam Fraley joins the program to define the phenomenon of the "benefits cliff", a public policy dynamic that keeps individuals trapped in poverty when small increases in household income lead to larger losses in public benefits. Sam reveals the efforts underway to gather local data about the benefits cliff and discusses a new interactive dashboard that Philadelphia Works is creating that will highlight the benefits cliff. He also discusses how the researching this topic can lead to positive change. Links referenced in the episode: 
-Cincinnati Foundation research on "The Cliff Effect"

-University of Washington Self Sufficiency Standard

This episode features a conversation with Shawn Mott, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant for Philadelphia Works. Shawn reveals the efforts that Philadelphia Works has made to keep the focus on DEI on a year-round basis. You'll also learn what organizations can do to center diversity, equity, and inclusion, and make it an integral part of their workplace culture. Discover how to measure progress when it comes to DEI and how to create a work environment where everyone feels valued and included. 

In this episode, you’ll hear about how Philadelphia Works is investing in recovery occupations. These are occupations that are experiencing employer demand, show promise for future growth, pay livable wages and are accessible to workers with diverse educational and employment backgrounds. You’ll also learn about the Recovery Occupations Planning Guide and how the guide provides detailed information on each recovery occupation, including wages, required skills and certifications, top industries of employment, and more.  
To access the Recovery Occupations Planning Guide, visit:  https://philaworks.org/recovery-occupations-2/ 

Philadelphia Works was recently awarded a $4.7 million dollar Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant to expand registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships across Southeastern Pennsylvania. In this episode, Rebecca Ambrose, Director of Training and Apprenticeship at Philadelphia Works, joins the program to discuss the details of the grant and provide an overview of the importance of apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. You’ll hear about the various industries that are using the apprenticeship model and how the Apprenticeship PHL website is making apprenticeships more accessible to industries in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

This episode features a conversation with Patricia Blumenauer​, Vice President, Operations and Data, for Philadelphia Works, as she discusses the Good Jobs Challenge Grant, a 22.8 million dollar grant recently awarded to Philadelphia Works. Discover how the grant will fund a Coordinated Southeastern Pennsylvania Workforce Development System, and what that entails. You'll also hear about the intended impact of the grant and how to learn more.