Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

5-1-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Curriculum & Instruction

First Advisor

Seokmin Kang

Second Advisor

Laura M. Jewett

Third Advisor

Karin Ann Lewis

Abstract

Workforce development systems in the United States provide occupational training to improve employment outcomes for individuals facing barriers to employment. Training is commonly delivered through classroom-based training (CBT) offered by educational institutions or through work-based learning (WBL) delivered in partnership with employers. Although both approaches are widely used within workforce development programs, limited empirical research has examined whether occupational training prior to employment improves employment retention or whether WBL produces stronger employment outcomes than CBT.

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative ex post facto study was to examine the relationship between occupational training and short-term employment outcomes among workforce participants in Texas. The study investigated whether participants who received occupational training prior to employment were more likely to remain employed six months after hire than participants who did not receive training. The study also compared employment outcomes for participants who received training through WBL and CBT and examined how demographic characteristics and training type influenced employment retention.

Secondary administrative data were obtained from the Texas Workforce Information System (TWIST) for individuals who received services through Local Workforce Development Boards between October 1, 2018, and September 30, 2019. De-identified participant records included demographic characteristics, training participation, and employment outcomes. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Chi-square tests of independence were conducted to examine relationships between training participation and employment retention and to compare outcomes between WBL and CBT. Binary logistic regression analysis examined the influence of demographic characteristics and training type on employment retention six months after hire.

Findings contribute empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of occupational training modalities and inform workforce policy and program design aimed at improving employment retention among workforce participants.

Comments

Copyright 2026 Melissa Sadler-Nitu. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3371074283

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