Narrative: II. c.

1. Describe the strategies the State will implement, including industry or sector partnerships related to in-demand industry sectors, occupations, and career pathways, as required by WIOA section 101(d)(3)(B), (D). The “Career pathway” is defined in WIOA Section 3(7) and includes registered apprenticeship. “In-demand industry sector or occupation” is defined at WIOA section 3(23).

The strategic plan of the Puerto Rico workforce system establishes the strategies necessary to achieve each of the four goals proposed in the strategic plan. The strategies focus on the following areas: economic development, skills and education attainment, innovation and governance, service integration, and system alignment.

Table 27- Allignment of goals with strategies plan of PR workforce system

2. Describe the strategies the State will use to align the core programs, any Combined State Plan partner programs included in this Plan, required and optional one-stop partner programs, and any other resources available to the State to achieve fully integrated customer services consistent with the strategic vision and goals described above.Also describe strategies to strengthen workforce development activities regarding weaknesses identified in section II(a)(2).

The State has identified areas in which the workforce needs to be trained strategically to meet current market trends. For this, four unified strategies are in place to describe how the State plans to strategically align goals with specific tactics to be implemented by the stakeholders. These areas are (1) Technology, (2) Modernization, (3) Integration, and (4) Competencies/competitive.

In terms of Technology, the Department of Economic Development and Commerce is looking to finalize the implementation of co-enrollment and co-registration in all programs required using the Participant Record Information System known as PRIS. This system is already in use, but the state is working to expand its capability to help stakeholders in providing better services to the existing participants. Also, was identified the need to develop a Mobile App that could provide participants and businesses with a system in which services can be requested. To achieve this, the State is currently evaluating policies and professional development strategies focused on technology to provide adequate training that will result in having a well-trained workforce capable of effectively using the technology available in the market. Lastly, it is important to measure the benefits from these efforts; Therefore, a statistical method needs to be identified and implemented.

VRA is working towards improving the use of technology by having a case management platform in place. However, another aspect that is under review is having a platform for referrals that can facilitate the process of providing services to participants as well as having other stakeholder services available. Currently, efforts are being made to have PRIS help in this process.

The Puerto Rico Department of Education through WIOA Title II is working towards making sure that all Adult Learners are exposed to technology. Participants will be exposed to virtual learning experiences and professional development targeting emerging technologies. To achieve this, the PRDE must continue to improve the technological infrastructure available in the classrooms, improve the Internet service, and identify classrooms to turned into interactive classrooms across state.

The Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources has entered a MOU with DEDC/WPD in which 1.7M have been identified to improve PRIS. Components such as Wagner-Peyser, RESEA/WPRS, and other modules within PRIS needs to be developed and implemented to provide employment services as well as gathered statistical information to measure performance. On the other hand, PRDOLHR is working to finalize a service contract to automate WOTC program operations. This project should result in having in place an agile process in which certification process of businesses can be done online; currently, it is being done manually which causes a backlog of applications.

In terms of modernization, the DEDC is working to improve the PRIS system as previously mentioned. The focus of this is to make this system capable of having all related files accessible within the system and determine eligibility. Also, PRIS must include a module in which providers can be evaluated, approved, and generate performance reports. Another aspect that is under consideration is to establish a connection between local system and national systems such as talent pools, job search engines, and connect accountability systems to manage funds. Lastly, we must move towards going paperless and for this we must continue to digitize all efforts within stakeholders.

In this line of modernization, the Puerto Rico Department of Education has implemented a system to provide Online Professional Development to teachers in which technology is a focal point. However, it is being identified that a Distance Education Program needs to be developed. By having a Distance Education Program, other technological skills will be part of the experience. This could potentially result in having participants acquiring skills used in the current job market and not being used in traditional educational settings. In this sense, tablets and computers are being purchased and distributed. However, more equipment needs to be bought.

PRDOLHR contracted a service provider to evaluate through focal meetings with Employment Services Personnel the specific needs of Professional Development. The focus of this was to identify those specific areas in which the personnel need to acquire or improve their skills that will better the experience along with better structures to place participants in a job that match their skills.

Moving to the third area of integration, the Department of Economic Development and Commerce is working to improve PRIS by having all stakeholders connected to the same system and enables co-registration, cost allocation, and quality control of services provided. Also, the Register Apprenticeship Program has been identified as the principal strategy as is a priority identified by the USDOL.

VRA has established an alliance with The Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association to increase the number of participants with disabilities being placed in the workforce. Other alliances are being considered to integrate and being competitive in today’s job market which can be challenging for people with disabilities. Also, VRA has implemented pre-employment services known as Work Based Learning Experience (Aprendizaje Basado en Trabajo) to coordinate placement not only within Public Agencies but the Private Sector as well.

The Puerto Rico Department of Education is also working to improve alliances with the public and private sector to have better learning opportunities as well as potential placement opportunities. For example, collaboration with core partners is currently in place to include services and support participants through the American Job Centers. This is focused on providing career pathways services, adult learning experiences, referrals, among other mechanisms that can be integrated to serve this population.

PRDOLHR has in place Talento Infinito, which is focused on people with disabilities and their specific needs. InPrende, provide businesses and other providers with professional development services to promote sustainable employment opportunities to participants.

The last area to be highlighted is the competitive market. For example, the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce is looking to expand Career Pathway Services, PRIS, and professional development opportunities to the personnel to improve their skills and competencies in their specific areas. For example, has been identified that the use of technology is one of the primary areas to be improved. The job market is moving faster than the Institution of Higher Education can adapt their offerings to what is needed. Therefore, efforts are being made to integrate experiences within Technology, Information Systems, Finance, Project Management among other specific areas into their services. Therefore, these are becoming areas in which more human capital is needed.

VRA is aware of how competitive the current Job Market is and for this is increasing their presence through Service Fairs. Some of the mandatory services provided are the following: Career Exploration Counseling, Counseling on Post Secondary Education Transition, Work Based Working Experience, Social Skills, and Independent Life Skills Experiences. This should result in better preparing potential candidates to be integrated into the Job Market.

PRDE for example, is working towards having pilot projects for Occupational Credentials to expand activities in which students can complete their school diploma and increase their proficiency in the English Language. Also, PRDE-OEA is looking to update and expand their Career Pathways opportunities and technical assistance to improve academic performance.

PRDOLHR continues to provide free counseling and consulting to businesses within the agriculture sector to access foreign human capital. This sector is being impacted by not having local human capital available to participate in this industry. Therefore, becomes challenging to meet the local product demand. For this, the use and integration of technology is needed to be competitive in this market. On the other hand, PRDOLHR continues to have presence in Conexión Laboral Centers to provide employment services and job placement to those participants looking for a job.

In the pursuit of a transformative shift in Puerto Rico's economic trajectory, the strategic partnership between DEDC/WDP and the Aboul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab North America (J-PAL) has surfaced critical insights into the challenges faced by American Job Centers (AJCs). These challenges encompass underutilization of the services provided, low employee salaries hampering recruitment and retention, and a need for enhanced leadership skills. J-PAL's rigorous findings advocate for a comprehensive strategy, emphasizing the pillars of competition, leadership, and improved compensation, designed to rejuvenate Puerto Rico's labor force.

The economic landscape presents formidable challenges, with the island's labor force participation rate ranking as the second lowest globally. A profound 24% decline in the labor force signals an urgency for targeted interventions. Alarmingly, 6 out of 10 working-age adults are neither employed nor actively seeking employment. To address this, J-PAL proposes a strategic reliance on external expertise, injecting fresh perspectives into management practices, recruitment strategies, and competitive compensation models.

Simultaneously, the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DEDC) spearheads the 21st Workforce Project, a visionary initiative concentrating on 21st-century skills imperative for success in a swiftly evolving digital workforce. The World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2020 identifies heightened demand for STEM skills, including roles such as Data Analysts, AI and Machine Learning Specialists, and Software Developers. With a demand exceeding 20,000 new workers in Technology and Engineering, Puerto Rico must align its education system with the dynamic needs of the industry.

Educational challenges loom large, with the K-12 system leaving students ill-equipped for technical roles, faculty shortages hindering post-secondary education, and barriers impeding student completion. The stark decline of 44% in K-12 enrollment between 2006 and 2019, coupled with widespread school closures, underscores the imperative for a robust education strategy. The younger workforce, with distinct priorities and preferences for non-traditional working models, necessitates a recalibration of educational paradigms.

To confront these challenges head-on, Puerto Rico must invest in high-quality education programs aligned with industry needs, fortify faculty recruitment and retention, and cultivate robust partnerships between academia and employers. Addressing the pressing skills gap, especially in computer science roles, is pivotal for sustained economic growth.

In conclusion, Puerto Rico's commitment to revitalizing its economy hinges on a comprehensive strategy that encompasses improved workforce services, competitive compensation structures, and an education system attuned to global workforce trends. The collaborative efforts signify an initiative-taking stance in shaping a future where Puerto Rico's labor force is skilled, competitive, and poised for success in the rapidly evolving global job market. As a pivotal recommendation, J-PAL advocates for the integration of external providers for job-market and career navigators at AJCs, aiming to inject best practices and elevate the quality of services, aligning Puerto Rico's workforce with global job market trends. This strategic approach positions Puerto Rico for sustained economic growth and resilience in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.

As mentioned in section II (a) (2), Puerto Rico has faced many challenges during the last decades. This has resulted in population decline, a decrease in economic activity, an increase in financial debt, communication challenges between the government and the private sector, and outdated energy infrastructure, resulting in higher energy costs and increased costs of living, among others. Considering these challenges, the four main goals detailed in the previous pages were outlined to achieve a fully integrated experience for the participant. This consists of providing the human capital available at career centers with the professional development needed to provide a better experience to the participant and the appropriate transfer of knowledge. As identified in the economic outlook, Puerto Rico’s businesses require human capital knowledgeable in technology and communication skills. These two elements are fundamental to creating new economic opportunities that align with the contemporary working ecosystems. Therefore, in the next section, we discuss operational planning elements that will strengthen workforce development activities.