Understanding Workforce Solutions Staff Perspectives on Transportation Barriers to Employment for Program Participants

Abstract

This project was completed as part of the 2018-2019 Resilient Communities Project (rcp.umn.edu) partnership with Ramsey County. The mission of Ramsey County's Workforce Solutions (WFS) program is to strengthen the economic success of the community through personalized and effective workforce development. It serves as a resource for both job seekers and businesses by providing training opportunities and personalized assistance in searching and applying for jobs. Businesses also receive assistance with recruiting, screening, training, and retaining workers. WFS staff know there are many program participants who experience transportation barriers that prevent them from accessing or keeping jobs. Ramsey County project lead Max Holdhusen worked with a pair of students in OLPD 5696: Internship: Human Resource Development, mentored by Dr. Rosemarie Park, to conduct individual interviews with WFS staff and other Ramsey County staff to understand their perspectives on the issue of transportation barriers to employment for WFS participants, as well as literature and case study research to inform this analysis. The students' final report is available.