Brownfields Toolbox

This area of student support services has little to do with skills or knowledge proficiencies. Students may work through the issues previously discussed, but may have personal issues that prevent them from being successful. Personal issues can disrupt the entire Brownfields Job Development and Training process of training, retention, and placement.

The following is a summary of potential personal issues that may need to be addressed to help students be successful in their training and employment.  

Child-care solutions help students        concentrate on studies.

1. Academic Issues

1. Attainment of adult high school diploma or GED (high school equivalency)
2. Learning and physical disabilities
3. Access to computers and learning resources
4. Career counseling

2. Non-Academic Issues

1. Attitude
2. Prior convictions, and legal issues
3. Drug and/or alcohol abuse
4. Child and dependent care
5. Student living assistance (i.e. paying rent or finding housing)
6. Transportation to and from training
7. License suspension and outstanding tickets or warrants
8. Insurance and medical services

Brownfield Job Development and Training programs have handled support services in a variety of ways. Every student is likely to require a different level of support. Some students are secure and independent, requiring little assistance. Others have numerous issues, responsibilities, and obligations that must be addressed if training and sustained employment is to be successful.

Clearly you should allocate resources for personal issues such as counseling and advocacy. Failure to be sensitive to these student needs can result in low program completion and employment rates.


Back to Index of Support Services