Technology Helps LowWage Workers Keep Jobs; ThreeYear Goodwill Study Yields Significant Results.

(From AScribe)

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Providing low-wage workers with access to computers at home significantly increases worker retention rates and helps lead to higher wages for those workers, according to the findings of a three-year project conducted by Goodwill Industries under a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The Goodwill Technology Opportunity Program (TOP) aimed to build on the job placement services that Goodwill has been providing for more than 100 years, by evaluating a method for keeping workers in their jobs for longer periods of time and helping them advance to higher paying jobs. The program's 124 participants received personal computers in order to increase interaction with Goodwill career counselors and enhance their skills training. Participants with busy schedules and family commitments could go online for training or send e-mail to their counselors at any time of the day. Ninety-three percent remained employed six to 12 months following job placement, and program participants were 1.5 times more likely than the general Goodwill population to remain employed at least six months. In addition, average wages climbed steadily over the course of the program, most likely a result of escalating job responsibilities or advancement to a higher position. Total earnings for participants were higher and grew faster than for Goodwill clients not participating in the TOP program.

"Goodwill is all about helping others help themselves, and we are now even better equipped than before to make good on ...