Aspen Institute has long been acclaimed for its research and diligence.  It has just published a sound approach briefing on the lessons they learned in the field regarding low income workers.

November 2007, they published a collaborative study on access and acquiring better jobs. Cross the board, employers need workers prepared for a new economy which is more strategized and specialized in its output and processes.

Competency and special industry-based skills are what are required.  This is leading to a new training pipeline for California's Community Colleges and these kinds of programs lead to higher incomes, more consistent work, and higher quality sector oriented jobs which please everyone.

It changes the market because when workers and employers succeed like the Culinary Training in Las Vegas, these workers are "tomorrows workers".  Skill building is like teaching someone to fish- they retain the skills and become contributors to the regional and local economy.  To order the report, go to the website of the Aspen Institute's Workforce Strategies Initiative.