What is Step-Up?
Step-Up
is a strategy initiated by HUD in partnership with the U.S. Department
of Labor (DOL) in 1992 to assist low-income persons, particularly
public and Indian housing residents, to obtain job training, career
employment, and economic self-sufficiency. Step-Up combines the
time-honored tradition of formal apprenticeship with preparatory
educational and life skills training, and support services.
Why
HUD?
HUD's
mission is broad and multi-faceted, and includes increasing homeownership;
supporting community development; increasing access to affordable
housing free of discrimination; and providing economic opportunities
for low-income people. HUD is privileged to offer financial assistance
through its many programs and other endeavors toward this mission;
key activities involve the construction and building maintenance
trades and HUD projects generate significant numbers of jobs in
these trades. However, HUD was concerned that the jobs being created
by HUD projects were not accessible to many low-income people living
in the neighborhoods receiving HUD assistance. Through Step-Up,
HUD strives to utilize its programs and projects to make jobs and
training in the construction and maintenance fields available to
people who may not have such opportunities otherwise. In order to
further this objective, HUD turned to apprenticeship.
Why
apprenticeship?
HUD supports apprenticeship because it works. Many of HUD's program
partners such as state and local governments, public housing authorities
(PHAs), and tribally-designated housing entities (TDHEs) already
use apprenticeship as a means to assemble and train a highly-qualified
workforce. In addition, many contractors and subcontractors engaged
on HUD-assisted projects participate in established apprenticeship
programs. Apprenticeship programs offer job training together with
jobs; apprentices earn wages while they are learning their trade.
Apprenticeship has a long and proud history of providing structured,
highly competent, safe and comprehensive occupational training and
of producing journey-level workers of exceptional caliber. America
needs a highly skilled workforce to build and maintain its communities,
infrastructure and economy.
Why
Step-Up?
For many low-income people, access to and/or participation in apprenticeship
was limited. Some people didn't meet entry level requirements for
apprenticeship such as having a high school diploma or equivalent,
or having taken certain math or science classes. Some didn't have
access to affordable child care or transportation, or both. Mainstream
job training and employment was beyond the reach for many. HUD created
Step-Up as a bridge to close the gap and make apprenticeship opportunities
more accessible.
How
is Step-Up different?
The Step-Up Year
The Step-Up model bridges this gap by offering a preparatory period
of paid practical work experience together with basic education
and support services. Typical Step-Up programs feature GED programs
for those who do not have a high school diploma; transportation
and child care assistance; life-skills training; counseling; and
may offer subsidies for work clothing and tools. This preparatory
period and support services give people a chance to gain the education,
skills and work experience that they need to successfully enter
and complete an apprenticeship, or to pursue other career training
and employment. The preparatory period usually lasts one year, but
it can be shorter or longer depending on the circumstances. After
this initial period, Step-Up participants can transition to traditional
apprenticeship programs, other occupational training or continuing
education, and/or to long-term employment.
Work
Experience in a Variety of Trades
Just
like apprentices in traditional programs, Step-Up apprentices spend
part of their time in on-the-job training and part of their time
in classroom training. However, unlike traditional programs, Step-Up
apprentices can gain on-the-job work experience in a variety of
trades. This flexibility means that there may be more on-the-job
work opportunities and it means that Step-Up apprentices are exposed
to more kinds of work and can learn from their own experience which
trade(s) best suits them.
How
does apprenticeship work?
All bona fide apprenticeship programs are based on standards that
are approved by DOL's Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT)
or a state apprenticeship council (SAC) recognized by BAT. The standards
outline the on-the-job and classroom training that will be provided
to apprentices registered under the program and the progress that
will be required of the apprentices in order to complete the program.
The standards also specify the wages that will be paid to the apprentices;
these wages increase as the apprentices demonstrate progress on-the-job
and in the classroom. Traditional apprenticeship programs typically
involve 4 to 6 years of training. Apprentices that complete their
training are certified as journeyworkers in their respective trade;
a certification that is recognized, nationally.
How
does Step-Up work?
Step-Up programs rely upon partnerships among community educational
institutions, industries and employers, trade unions, and service
providers, and all Step-Up programs are based upon a commitment
to long-term employment outcomes for the Step-Up apprentices. A
program sponsor serves as the "hub" for coordinating the design
and implementation of the Step-Up program. The sponsor works with
the BAT or SAC to develop the standards. The sponsor recruits the
Step-Up apprentices; arranges for on-the-job and classroom training;
monitors the progress of the individual apprentices; and generally
coordinates the activities of the various partners and participants.
The sponsor and partners also seek placements for the Step-Up apprentices
that complete their preparatory period.
Can
Step-Up work outside of construction and building maintenance?
Absolutely. There are thousands of occupations that can be learned
through apprenticeship. HUD programs primarily fund construction
and building maintenance activities and HUD projects need skilled
workers in these trades. Naturally, that is where HUD started. But,
HUD encourages apprenticeship in any occupation. For example, a
Step-Up sponsor could consider a wide range of occupations beyond
construction and building maintenance including child care, building
inspection, health care, office support, and many more.
How
can I get more information or assistance?
HUD's Office of Labor Relations can provide more information and
assistance concerning Step-Up. Please follow the link, below, for
a list of the Labor Relations field staff, their contact information,
and the jurisdictions they serve.
Labor
Relations Regional/Field Office Staff
Read about active Step-Up program sites
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