Job Training Partnership Act, Title III Dislocated Worker Program

Testimony was given concerning the oversight of the Job Training Partnership Act's (JTPA) Dislocated Worker Program. GAO noted that title III of the act allows states considerable flexibility in designing dislocated worker programs which they believe best meet the needs of their dislocated workers. GAO found that: (1) the characteristics of participants in title III projects, by and large, match those of dislocated workers identified in the federal government's Current Population Survey; (2) dislocated workers 55 years of age and older who are still seeking work are underrepresented among title III participants; (3) over 90 percent of all projects offered some form of occupational skill training, but less than two-fifths actually received such training; and (4) about 69 percent of all participants found jobs although placement rates varied among groups receiving different services. GAO also found that: (1) the percentage of minorities being served by title III in California was considerably higher than the program nationally because of the participation of Hispanics in California projects; (2) although placement assistance is provided to nearly everyone, training is provided to only half of the participants and support services to less than a quarter of the enrollees; (3) generally, the training offered was remedial, classroom, and on-the-job; (4) although overall placement rates were impressive, they varied by type of assistance; (5) those participants who received on-the-job training had the highest placement rate; and (6) if a proposed 55-percent cutback in title III funding is approved, many states will not have the sufficient carryover funds to make up the difference and the level of services provided will be reduced.