INDUSTRY CLUSTER PROJECTS

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work2future created industry Cluster Projects in December 2003 in order to enhance the organization's ability to deliver valuable services to both our Business and Job Seeking Clients.

Using the San Jose Economic Development Strategy, and local labor market research, work2future has designated the following six Industry Clusters for WIA-supported training by job seeking clients at work2future's three One-Stop Career Centers: Retail, Software, Healthcare, Hospitality, Bio-Science, and Financial Services.

work2future staff, working under the guidance of an Industry Cluster Advisory Group, convenes local business professionals from targeted industries to determine growth occupations and training system needs; and, subsequently develop new training curriculum for inclusion on the work2future Eligible Training Providers List (ETPL). Furthermore, in those instances where there are strong employer commitments, work2future staff will work with individual employers, or employer groups to develop "customized training programs" and/or On-the-Job Training (OJT).

For Program Year 2004-05, the work2future Board has budgeted $1.1 million from the Training Budget to support the various Industry Cluster Training strategies.