Workforce Basics

The project develops and tests WORKFORCE BASICS, a microlearning curriculum for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for the LearningQ platform currently in development. The goal of the project is to improve access to and effectiveness of workforce training by augmenting existing programs with on-demand microlearning resources and tools. WORKFORCE BASICS is an extended workforce curriculum with approximately 25-30 new skills. The WORKFORCE BASICS certification consists of seven badges: Soft Skills (outlined to augment the existing Skills to Pay the Bills program offered by the Department of Labor), How to Work, Uncovering Your Interests, Safety on the Job, What to Expect at Work, What Your Job Expects from You, and Getting Ready for Work. These badges consist of several 1 to 3-minute skill microunits on these topics. Project objectives are to: (1) introduce microlearning into existing workforce training programs for improved access to support; (2) improve participant engagement and comprehension of workforce skills with easy repetition and real-time application; and (3) increase availability of workforce skills training by reducing the demands put on the direct service providers, allowing for more effective coaching. Project outcomes include: (1) participants with IDD will have a greater understanding, expectation alignment, and access to workforce readiness training, allowing them to more easily enter the workforce; (2) agency staff will have a reduced workload and more efficient support per participant, allowing them to serve a larger audience; and (3) all stake holders will have greater transparency regarding the effectiveness of specific skill development, allowing for faster adaptation of underperforming materials and more personalized coaching.