Our Tools

Reliable Frameworks, Real Results

At WPTI, our approach starts with listening—deeply understanding your needs and goals. From there, we put our core principles and frameworks to work to deliver tailored solutions using needs assessments, data-driven strategies, and coaching. We help organizations and their staff build the confidence, knowledge, and tools needed to create lasting pathways to economic mobility for the communities they serve.

WPTI’s Training and Capacity Development Principles

All of our consulting work and training programs reflect three key principles: They must be evidence-based, learner-centered, and results-oriented.

  • To ensure actionable results and impact, WPTI uses the ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate) model and a detailed, evidence-based Success Drivers framework to develop our training, consulting, and capacity-building offerings. We pair training with  implementation technical assistance to promote new skill adoption.

  • WPTI uses a Learning Cluster Design approach to train practitioners on tools and topics that is contextualized and applicable to the organizations and the populations they serve. 

    Those principles are: 

    1. Go Beyond One-and-Done; 

    2. Design the Whole, Not the Parts; 

    3. Focus on Learner Needs; and

    4. Change On-the-Job Behavior. 

  • To assess results,  WPTI uses the Kirkpatrick Model, a recognized evaluation system that analyzes at 4 levels: 

    1. Reaction,

    2. Learning,

    3. Behavior, and

    4. Results. 

    Through pre- and post-assessments and follow-up surveys, WPTI measures the impact on practitioners’ knowledge and confidence, changes in practice, and how training and capacity development impacts the organization.  

    By combining evidence-based frameworks with real-world experience, WPTI delivers solutions that work—for organizations, practitioners, and the communities they serve. Let’s build the future of workforce development together.

Proven Frameworks

WPTI uses proven frameworks to design training and support services so they are practical, relevant, and applicable.

    1. Funding Stability

    2. Engaged Business

    3. Adaptive Organizations

    4. Qualified Workforce

    WPTI contributed to the development of The Success Drivers, a nationally recognized framework of evidence-based guidelines, developed with input from practitioners who are part of the Workforce Benchmarking Network and who represent "higher performers" among their peers. The Success Drivers Framework helps programs define “good” results and implement actionable strategies. WPTI leverages this framework in our program development and advisory services to drive impactful outcomes. 

    1. Knowledge of the Workforce Development System

    2. Collaboration

    3. Use Data & Analytics

    4. Assessing, Preparing, and Connecting Job Seekers to Employment

    5. Employer Engagement

    WPTI aligns all learning engagements to the Workforce Competencies developed by the Chicago Jobs Council and based on the research of  the Workforce Benchmarking Network, as they are the proven foundation for a workforce professional to thrive in this work.

    1. Model the Way

    2. Inspire a Shared Vision

    3. Challenge the Process

    4. Enable Others to Act

    5. Encourage the Heart

    Developed by renowned researchers Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, WPTI integrates the Practices of Exemplary Leadership in the design of all offerings developed. This model is a clear, evidence-based path to achieving the extraordinary by making the abstract concept of leadership into easy-to-grasp practices and behaviors.

“WPTI fills a critical gap because there’s no formal education pipeline into workforce development. They equip our team with the tools and training needed to serve clients, support employer partners, and navigate this ecosystem effectively.”

– EVELYN ORTIZ, CO-CEO, OPPORTUNITIES FOR A BETTER TOMORROW​

HEAR MORE FROM ORTIZ AND CO-CEO GREG RIDEOUT IN THIS VIDEO INTERVIEW

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