Tools for Navigating Today's Labor Market: A Vital Role for States

Abstract

Individuals need easily accessible, easy-to-understand information to successfully navigate the ever-changing U.S. labor market. Internet tools are one way to effectively and efficiently convey such information to users. This paper explores the role state governments can play in creating such resources. It specifically examines how the State of New Jersey, with the assistance of the Heldrich Center, created two Web-based resources that provide students, job seekers, and workers with the information they need to make informed decisions about careers and further education. The paper also explores the value of such resources and illustrates some of the key lessons for creating a successful information resource