SKILLS BLOG

Workforce data explained

By Christina Peña, May 12, 2015

This post originally appears on Workforce Data Quality Campaign's blog. 

WDQC is launching a series of short videos that highlight how states are using education and workforce data to advance their skilled workforce and better align with industry demand. 

In this first video, Neal Gibson, Director of the Arkansas Research Center, explains his state's Career Pathways Initiative and the vital role administrative data play in improving the career prospects of Arkansans. Additional videos featuring officials from other states will be released about once a month through WDQC's website and e-news.

Neal Gibson of the Arkansas Research Center talks to WDQC

Background information and resources:

  • Since 2005, the Arkansas Career Pathways Initiative has aimed to provide low-income individuals with the higher education skills and credentials they need to gain immediate entry into targeted occupations and eventually achieve economic self-sufficiency. 
  • In Arkansas, legislators are recognizing the power of the state's data to aid in decisionmaking. A new law requires the state to prepare brief regular reports, targeted at parents and prospective students, showing employment and earnings outcomes for graduates of public colleges.
  • Arkansas is one of seven states that has partnered with College Measures to publicize average earnings for graduates of education and training programs, available at Economic Success Measures – Arkansas.
  • WDQC's survey of Arkansas in 2014: Mastering the Blueprint.