Alternative Staffing: A rapid path to job training and

sustainable income

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Why is the staffing industry significant? • The staffing industry generated $ 106 B in revenue in 2013• Contract work is “the New Normal”• Contract staffing is the fastest growing workforce segment

and a key pathway to employment– 15% of all job growth in the US in 2012– 40% of employers plan to hire contract workers this year– 80+% plan to increase their flexible workforce in 2014– 17 million workers (12%) in the US are independent contractors– 39% of temporary workers will transition into full-time jobs

• However, the industry makes limited efforts to serve workers with barriers

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Alternative Staffing Organizations (ASOs)• ASOs serve job-ready individuals with obstacles to employment

such as:– Disabilities related to military service– Other physical or mental disabilities– Criminal History– Past substance abuse issues– Lack of education or literacy– Lack of work history

• Typically focus on job placement, supportive services and workforce development

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• Non-profit ASO based in Atlanta, GA• Established in 2007• Helped 2,000+ homeless and at-risk

men and women re-enter workforce • Created wages of over $ 5 M• Annual sales of $ 1 M• Employed an average of 100 people per

day in 2013• Workers moved into better

opportunities in about 124 days• We work primarily in the logistics,

manufacturing, hospitality, driving, and event businesses

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Alternative Staffing’s Value Proposition for Employers

• Mitigates employment risk (workers’ compensation, unemployment, healthcare, general liability)

• Saves the recruitment cost of bad hires by allowing employers to “try out” employees

• Provides employees who have support (i.e. pre-employment training, coaching, transportation, child care)

• Gives employers a flexible option for fluctuations in their business

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Value for Employees• Rapid employment when needed• An introduction to new industries• Provides a career ladder when paired with

real job training (classroom and/or on the job)

• Flexible employment fits different needs at different times

• Builds current experience into a resume• Offers supportive services• An opportunity to “practice working”• Connection to a natural network of support

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Take the Second Step: Build on What Works

• Rapid employment– Basic skills– Short-duration

training – Immediate

placement• Average annual

salary: $15 - $19 K

• Sustainable employment– Flexible Options

• 2nd/3rd shift work provides income flow while training

– Focused Intervention• specific math, literacy, vocational

and life skills– Length of Training

• rapid & realistic– Community Connection

• mentors, coaches • Average annual salary: $30 - $35 K

HIGH-DEMAND JOBS

FIRST STEPSECOND STEP

Commercial Drivers License $38,300

Welding $33,400

Machinists/Machine Operators

$35,900

Freight, Stock & Material Handlers

$22,000

Fork Lift Operators $28,000

Sales Representatives $45,400

CONTACT INFORMATIONBarbara Peters

First Step Staffing302 Decatur Street SE

Atlanta, Georgia 30312www.first-step.us

www.firststepstaffing.com404.577.3395, ext. 303barbara@first-step.us

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