Viewed in this framework the task is less daunting, the possibilities more broad. And any investment we make in learning to work with the private sector is ultimately an investment in the well-being of our clients. The road, however, has not always been smooth. In an attempt to address some of the more difficult issues, the National Governor's Association convened a Private Sector Work Group to report on the progress of these new partnerships. The administrative costs associated with public subsidies such as targeted job tax credits often nullify the financial benefits of hiring people in these programs.
Business is more interested in productive unsubsidized workers than subsidized unproductive labor.
The variance in regulations from state to state is a disincentive for national companies to participate in publicly funded employment initiatives. Effective job training blends private sector goals of accountability measures and an outcome focus with a non-profit approach. Executive management must be committed to an employment program and front-line supervisors must be willing to learn how to work with this new population of employees. The list is not surprising, but reveals a number of commonalities between the sectors. As we begin to tenuously move forward together, it will be helpful to keep these common themes in mind.