Summary: GAO reviewed employment competencies for youth in job training programs that local service delivery areas (SDA) provided, specifically the: (1) extent and nature of youth competency systems; and (2) competency attainment data states used to judge local program performance.
GAO found that, to evaluate employment competencies, the Department of Labor grouped them into three areas: (1) pre-employment and work maturity skills needed to find and hold a job; (2) basic education skills; and (3) job skills for specific occupations. Although states use national standards to evaluate local performance, they can adjust the standards to account for differences in competency systems. This makes less comprehensive programs appear more successful than those that provide training that includes basic education and is costlier and more difficult for trainees to complete. Although Labor has proposed establishing a separate standard for employment competencies, it does not believe that it has the data it needs to set such a standard. GAO believes that a separate standard might increase the emphasis on improving the employability skills of youth rather than just placing them in jobs.
