ODOT workforce program shows higher apprenticeship completion when childcare and hardship supports provided

ODOT’s Office of Engagement & Civil Rights told commissioners Dec. 11 that targeted supports—childcare subsidies, hardship assistance, travel and housing stipends and pre‑apprenticeship training—substantially improve apprenticeship retention and graduation rates. Staff presented data showing participants who received child‑care subsidies were about 20 percentage points more likely to complete apprenticeship benchmarks compared with those who did not receive the service.

Sai Fink, business field operations manager, said the program addresses barriers—childcare, startup tool costs and challenging worksite climates—identified in a needs assessment with Portland State. "Those that know what to expect going into it are twice as likely to carry through the entire program," Fink said. The agency also described the Coffee Creek partnership with the Department of Corrections and Baker Technical Institute, which provides hands‑on certifications for incarcerated women; staff reported a 100 percent graduation/certification rate for cohorts in that pilot and several participants described transitions to college and employers.

Commissioners asked about ongoing tracking of participants after they "journey out" of apprenticeships; staff said long‑term follow‑up is not currently tracked but agreed to look into collecting post‑graduation employment and retention data. ODOT said it is pursuing grant and partner funding to expand supports (including exploring workforce board and philanthropic options) and emphasized the need for a pipeline of work so apprentices can rely on sustained employment.