Helping Displaced Workers Find New Pathways in the Future of Work
Globalization and automation pose a potential threat to the job security of a significant portion of the American workforce by decreasing the demand for labor in specific occupations and industries. When these changes in demand are persistent, some workers may become displaced from their jobs and struggle to find new employment.
Displaced workers are those who had been in the workforce for three or more years and lost their jobs because of industry declines and automation. They have defined skill sets and work experience but often must transition to new careers outside of their current field.
The current workforce development system isn’t always effective for displaced workers. Most traditional education and training programs start from scratch, assuming little prior knowledge or experience. This approach is less efficient for workers with job experience and transferable skills, who only need to fill small skill gaps. Many programs also take months or years to complete, making it difficult for displaced workers with financial responsibilities to participate. Additionally, research shows that programs designed specifically for displaced workers, like the Workforce Innovation and Investment Act and the Trade Adjustment Act, have limited benefits for those who are able to access them.
Displaced Workers Landscape Review
PROPEL Center researchers conducted a landscape analysis to assess the knowledge base on strategies to support displaced worker needs, identify promising strategies that may attend to their specific needs, and consider potential programs for partnership in support this population.
The PROPEL Center is directly supported by the AIR Opportunity Fund.
