Evidence Snapshot: Work Experience and Work-Based Learning
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Evidence Snapshot: Work Experience and Work-Based Learning

Pathways to Work Evidence Clearinghouse, OPRE Report #2023-056
Published: Mar 31, 2023
Publisher: Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Human Services Employment Training and Re-employment Federal State and Local
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Associated Project

Pathways to Work Evidence Clearinghouse

Time frame: 2018-2023

Prepared for:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation

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Key Findings

On average, work experience and work-based learning interventions improved several outcomes. In particular, for intervention participants—as compared with comparison groups that did not receive intervention services.

  • Short-term annual earnings increased by $649, and long-term annual earnings increased by $713, on average, across the 6 work experience and work-based learning interventions for which these outcomes were examined.
  • Short-term employment increased by three percentage points, and long-term employment increased by four percentage points, on average, across the five work experience and work based-learning interventions for which these outcomes were examined.
  • On average, the proportion of people receiving public benefits and the amount of annual public benefits they received did not change across the five work experience and work based-learning interventions for which these outcomes were examined.
  • Most studies of work experience and work based-learning interventions did not assess effects on education and training attainment; therefore, we do not know whether most work experience and work-based learning interventions affected these outcomes. 
  • Three interventions improved more than one type of outcome domain.

This Evidence Snapshot describes the effectiveness of programs that were identified by the Pathways Clearinghouse as using work experience and work-based learning as their primary service. It summarizes what we know about these programs and their impacts so Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) administrators, policymakers, researchers, and the general public can apply the evidence to their context and the questions that matter to them.

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