The Task

The Billion Oyster Project sought to design a program to train youth in welding and connect them to welding-related occupations in high growth industries. Public Works was engaged to design workforce program that established a service network among BOP, the NYC Department of Education, CUNY Colleges, and community based organizations. The program design would connect students to workforce training and employment opportunities.

Our Strategy

• Held working sessions with BOP staff to define the program’s theory of change, service components, and value to the youth participants.
• Conducted a robust market analysis, which included analyzing labor market data and interviewing field experts and welding professionals to identify the key attributes for successful professionals in the industry.
• Facilitated a focus group discussion with Urban Assembly New York Harbor School students involved in an after-school welding program to capture their program experiences and interests in pursuing welding professionally.

Photo credit: Billion Oyster Project

Project Impact & Outcome

• Designed a collaborative network that avails the strength of several partners to help New York City youth prepare for welding-related occupations. The network includes:
  • Partners who will offer recruitment and enrollment opportunities for youth like the Urban Assembly Harbor School and workforce development nonprofits.
  • Community College partners who will offer Education, Training, and Certification support.
• The network also included community- based organizations who will offer ongoing case management support to program participants.
• Lastly, the network includes connections to employers to help identify opportunities for employment for the program participants.

Photo credit: Billion Oyster Project