For the unemployed and underemployed to take advantage of these job openings will require further education and training. There is a disconnect between low-income communities and employers. Residents of low-income communities report one major barrier to employment is not knowing what jobs are locally available.
Employers report difficulty finding qualified job applicants.
Connecting low-income communities and employers will require brokers, networks, and other mediating institutions. Job specific skills are essential. Residents of low-income communities report that a lack of job specific skills is a major barrier to employment. At the same time, employers report the greatest difficulty finding qualified job applicants with relevant job specific skills. Support services such as transportation, child care, and mentoring are critical to getting and keeping jobs.