The healthcare industry is a major growth industry in the U.S. and California economies. New technologies and treatment options, an aging population, longer life spans, and continuing population growth combine to continually increase the demand for healthcare services and the need for healthcare workers. The workforce investment system was charged with the responsibility to help meet this growing need, as well as to help low-income and incumbent workers find and develop rewarding careers. To address these needs, programs such as the HCCLTP seek to provide workers with the training they need to enter the healthcare field and to find not just jobs, but long-term career opportunities. At the same time, these programs offer healthcare providers a source of qualified and motivated workers, who can fill immediate labor shortages, but are also committed to long-term career paths in the healthcare field.
This study examined both the implementation of the HCCLTP, as well as its outcomes, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. In particular, the evaluation included an assessment of whether the program met its goals for serving individuals with limited English proficiency and who are identified as "hard to serve."