A Sustainable Job Creation Platform for the Technology Sector

A Sustainable Job Creation Platform for the Technology Sector

Connected Nation National 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to harnessing the power of broadband to energize the local economy, impact communities, and improve lives. Mission: expand access and of broadband Internet and the related technologies Primary Initiatives: Broadband Mapping and Data Analysis Connected Community Broadband Readiness Initiative Digital Literacy Training and Technology Adoption Programs Broadband Research and Policy Advocacy

Digital Works Vision Statement As the leading independent Broadband research and data organization, Connected Nation will leverage their 15 years of technology partnerships and community based technology adoption techniques to deliver employer designed entry and advanced IT job readiness training, placement assistance and mentoring while developing employer relationships to aggregate nationwide supply and demand.

The Opportunity The Bureau of Labor Statistics: 65 million Americans or 40% of the workforce will be freelance solopreneurs by 2020 Telework Research Network: currently estimates telecommuting growth at 26% growth per year. One quarter of U.S companies are looking to increase insourcing by 5-20%.

Evidence of Demand Convergys to Host a Nationwide Hiring Day October 02, 2014- Convergys Corporation (NYSE: CVG), seeking to fill approximately 4,000 positions nationwide in October alone, with plans to fill 10,000 positions by year s end.

The Barriers Job Seekers Awareness Training Mentorship Workforce Programs Don t understand or embrace work at home Communities Lack strategy to attract employers Employers Outreach Skills Gap / Conversion to hire Retention

The Solution A unique, sustainable, employer-designed, high-demand job creation program leveraging broadband technologybased jobs to people seeking work in local communities. Trains, places, and mentors high-quality candidates and develops co-working centers in settings where job demand is high. Digital Literacy Program Digital Workforce Training Digital Works Job Placement Mentorship Advanced Curriculum Career Advancement

Why it Works Grassroots Community Engagement Development of High-Quality Employees Customizable High-Skilled Training Programs Proven Concept

Scalability Columbus Reeb Busch Logan Ohio Portsmouth West Union Gallipolis Lynchburg Middleport Kentucky Annville Hazard Thornhill Texas Blinn College Expansion MI, MT Virtual 683 Total enrolled 151 In progress 545 Positions offered 447 Secured work

The Challenge Objective: 33% Public Assistance (WIA, TANF, OOD) 33% Grants and Foundations (LGIF, ODRC, Franklin Co., EDA) 33% Private Pay (Community College, Incumbent Worker, Custom, Retail) Historically, over 60% of Digital Works participants have not qualified for public workforce assistance due to eligibility requirements, lack of local funding availability and other issues, leaving many qualified and the majority of those in desperate need, excluded from the program, including seniors, students, ex-offenders, supplemental earners.

Evidence of Need There are currently 300,000 Franklin County Residents receiving various forms of public assistance that do not qualify for workforce training programs.

Franklin County, Ohio Assessment of Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents in Franklin County: 37.5% Female / Average age 34 75% not registered with OMJ 79% have never received unemployment compensation 88% not working / average last employment 2011 68% GED / 59% never attended college 38% have a driver s license / 70% live near a bus stop 34% have felony convictions 32% report physical or mental limitations

Deliverables Digital Works will provide: A full-time, on-site facilitator and career counselor Training and curriculum development Training portal and online development resources IT / technical support, licensing and certifications Marketing and outreach strategy HR, legal, personnel management and training Compliance, Reporting and budget management Anticipated Outcomes: 10 new jobs per month per location National, regional and local employer relationship development Possibility of corporate partners relocating to your community

Testimonials Advancement Jill was first referred to Digital Works through the Food Assistance Program at Gallia County OhioMeansJobs. When Jill attended program orientation, she was homeless single mother of two and had been unemployed for over a year. Jill had very little skills or work history, as well as some additional barriers based on her background. I am now employed, renting a home, working from home and ready to take all I have learned from Digital Works to excel in my new found career, said Jill. Jill first secured temporary contract employment last November with Sutherland Global Cloudsourcing and has now advanced to taking calls for Allstate Claims while pursuing additional training through the Udacity Nanodegree Scholarship program, sponsored by AT&T.

Testimonials Retention Looking at the picture featuring Faye S. of Digital Works Logan and her new Cadillac, it s true that a picture speaks a thousand words. Faye worked herself up from longterm unemployed and financial difficulties, to purchasing a car for the first time on her own. Faye s hard work with the Digital Works program and her positive attitude have given her the drive to reach her goals. In early January of 2014, Faye was invited to join the dedicated Allstate First Notice of Loss (FNOL) service line. She completed her training, and on January 23, 2014 began taking her first calls. Digital Works gave me an opportunity to not only lighten the financial responsibility my husband was carrying, but also to help with some of the extras, Faye said.

Testimonials - Entrepreneurship After being unemployed for almost two years, Dakota G. enrolled in Digital Works in January 2015. Dakota quickly found work as a Logistics Specialist making full commission and was CDL trained. Dakota would match truck loads with commercial truck clients, call and negotiate prices with brokers for companies nationally, dispatch the truck, and handle administration. She found her calling and excelled quickly. After a few months of honing her skills and saving start-up cash, Dakota created her own limited liability company (LLC). Dakota now manages her own business (Double D Logistics), while also raising her two children. Digital Works was incredible for helping me accomplish my goal, said Dakota. I learned how to work from home and always be professional doing so. I was trained in the best way to speak over the phone, and via the Internet. Betty Hays, my instructor, helped me build my resume to get the job in the field I wanted, and has aided me ever since I started the program. Digital Works gave me the exact tools I needed to start my business and be successful. http://digitalworksjobs.com/2015/05/dakota-g/

Contact Information Thank you! Questions? Chris Pedersen VP, Development and Planning cpedersen@connectednation.org www.connectednation.org Stu Johnson VP, Digital Works sjohnson@connectednation.org www.digitalworksjobs.com