Matching the Disadvantaged to Job Opportunities: Structural Explanations for the Past Successes of the Center for Employment Training

The Center for Employment Training is generally acknowledged as an effective program for skills training and placing economically disadvantaged populations into entry-level jobs. Program success is explained by the ability to develop skills demanded by industry while becoming part of employers' own, trusted recruiting networks. These findings suggest the importance of social networks (connecting job seekers to employers) to the design of training programs.