Q: What does "Learning Lab" mean?
A: Learning Lab is the term used to describe our service delivery integration process. We are one of twelve one-stop centers in the state of California participating in this program, and our efforts will be evaluated to assist in future integration throughout the country.
Q: I've been hearing the word "integration". What does it mean?
A: The process of integration is the meshing of procedures, programs, priorities, staff, and environment at the Network centers. The end result will be to provide the best possible services for our clients.
Q: What is Service Integration?
A: A Service Integration Model is being developed in California, which once implemented, will create a new local workforce system that is skill-based and which moves each One-Stop Career center client through a common set of value added services designed to increase their employability and their chances of retaining and advancing in jobs. The skill-based shift will put particular attention to business demand for a prepared and skilled workforce with less emphasis on program requirements. Within the Center, there will be less emphasis on self-help and general resource room activities, and more on assessment, career coaching and specific skill development. It is important to understand that service integration as it is evolving through discussion among state and local partners and through the 12 Learning Labs is not just about better communication and improved general planning, but about exploring a sweeping set of adjustments in front end operations for all WIA, Wagner-Peyser, Veteran, MSFW and TAA funded programs and staff.
Q: Where did the Service Integration concept start and why?
A: A statewide Executive Committee was convened with representatives from EDD’s Workforce services branch, CWIB, CWA, Labor and Workforce Development Agency and Local Workforce Areas to discuss how an integrated service delivery model could: - Respond to 21st century industry demand and our contemporary workforce crisis
- Assure that our services and training are in alignment with current local and regional labor market requirements
- Shift service priority to an emphasis on worker skill, assisting workers to gain the stills leading to self-sufficiency and responding to employer demand
- Cope with limited and declining funding though a more efficient use of resources and a reduction of program duplication and requirements
- Increase service levels and
- Redefine and improve performance
The Learning Lab experience will provide sufficient data, lessons learned as we resolve issues and provide a roadmap for expansion to all of the State’s LWIAs.
Q: Is California the only state implementing service integration?
A: No, several states have already implemented service integration including New York, Oklahoma, Louisiana and North Dakota, and several other states are in various stages of exploration, development and implementation.
Q: How is this integrated Learning Lab different from what we do now?
A: The Learning Lab will look different. There will be: - A common pool of customers, composed of WIA Title I Adults and Dislocated workers; Wagner-Peyser, Veterans, Long Term Unemployed, Migrant Seasonal Farm worker and Trade Adjustment Act.
- A common set of services available to all customers in the pool through a common customer flow.
- Integrated staffing – shared WIA, WPA and TAA staffing of the common service and common customer flow.
Q: I’ve heard that some new teams are forming – it seems confusing. Could you explain?
A: You’ve heard right! Working directly with clients will be the Welcome Team, the Skills Development Team and the Employment Solutions Team. The Champions Team is currently developing those job functions and staffing recommendations for those functions will be announced in May. The program Champions Team will identify and recommend client flow and the job functions, programs and products, including additional elements added to VOS operations infrastructure and a skill development assessment tool, that are necessary for a successful integration. Alisa Munoz, Carla Hendy-Anguiano, Susan Gainey, Dorothy Thomas, Dawn Swann, Vivien Nguyen, and Cecile Walters are members of the Champions Team. The Leadership Team has planning oversight to identify policies, strategies and operating models in three key areas: integrated customer pool, integrated cutomer flow, and integrated staffing. Bryan Rogers, Cherie Gomez, Mary Rivera, Kathy Parsons, Gary Flaxman, and Davi Dancy are on the Leadership Team. Another team, LCT, is made up of some members from each team to coordinate processes.
Q: Will I remain at my current location?
A: There is a chance that some staff will be relocated.
Q: How will the different centers and partners communicate with each other?
A: Email communication systems will exist as they do currently. There will be training provided on how to set up email distribution lists so you can create your own. Phone lists will include all team members at all centers.
Q: The Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network is one local workforce investment area (LWIA) participating in the State of California’s service integration pilot program. What other agencies are participating?
A: Participants in this innovative pilot program are: - Long Beach
- Glendale/Verdugo
- Santa Ana
- San Diego
- San Jose
- Riverside
- Nova
- Sonoma
- Sacramento
- San Bernardino
- Madera
Q: I'm hearing that we are going to a paperless case management system. How will that work?
A: We are working with Geographic Solutions to upgrade VOS (Virtual One Stop) technology. VOS can be used to track all client actions. Any team member will be able to access any client's information. Q: When is our Learning Lab going to become active?
A: The target date for statewide Learning Lab implementation is July 2008.
Q: I heard there is going to a dress rehearsal before we go active. When will that be?
A: The Welcome Team has already begun to offer combined services. We hope that other areas will begin a dress rehearsal in late May. | 
