A recent report from The Urban Institute provides a summary of current information on experiences of people with disabilities in apprenticeship, drawing on the research literature, interviews with experts on inclusive apprenticeship, and administrative and survey data. It also shares key findings of inclusive apprenticeships.
Episode 9: Dr. James McNeil, vocational rehabilitation, disability management, and HR compliance expert Dr. James McNeil, a recognized expert in vocational rehabilitation, disability management, and HR compliance discusses the positive effect of disability inclusion training for employers and how appropriate accommodations are allowing employers to grow a dedicated and skilled workforce while addressing intersectionality and its impact on their DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility) goals.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses are required to provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Returning citizens with disabilities experience many barriers to employment. Providing accommodations helps returning citizens with disabilities overcome one of the many barriers to employment.
While American Job Centers (AJC) play a crucial role in helping returning citizens with disabilities find and retain employment, they often do not work alone. Instead, many AJCs rely on partner organizations to help them meet the unique needs of these customers. This resource identifies partners and organizations that support AJCs and offer assistance to serve returning citizens with disabilities.
Returning citizens with disabilities may not be aware of the need to disclose a disability, or they may be reluctant to disclose a disability when seeking American Job Center (AJC) services. This may be due to a fear of being stigmatized or concern that the information will be shared with employers without permission. The following resource was created for AJC staff to encourage self-disclosure among returning citizens. The strategies offered in this resource may be helpful when considering disability disclosure.
Episode 8: Richard Lawrence and Megan Howes of IREC (the Interstate Renewable Energy Council) Richard Lawrence and Megan Howes of IREC (the Interstate Renewable Energy Council) discuss how the development of inclusive apprenticeship programs will enable the rapidly growing clean energy sector to meet its demand for skilled talent.
Apprenticeship.gov provides information and resources on the basics of apprentices, hiring and retaining apprentices with disabilities, and the apprenticeship Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations that support inclusive workplaces. Resources are also available on potential career paths to pursue through apprenticeship and case studies targeted toward employers on the benefits of apprenticeships.
The E2 summary and breakdown of Clean Jobs data from the United States Energy Employment Report (USEER) for 2020. This report details the sheer size of this important employment sector, the troubles it is currently facing due to COVID-19, and how focusing recovery policies on clean energy can get America’s economy humming again—quickly and for the long run.
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)’s Solar Career Map displays the variety of jobs and skills needed within the solar workforce.
