What does it take to understand, invest in, and improve a state workforce? Data. High-quality workforce data is a powerful catalyst for economic success. It can provide the insights needed to shape state policy while empowering individuals to navigate their education and career pathways. But right now, the data is sitting in silos, and states are leaving opportunities for economic growth on the table.
Statewide longitudinal data systems (SLDSs) can provide the insights individuals need to navigate their education and career pathways with confidence and the information leaders need to meet state workforce goals. When an SLDS links education and training program data to individual-level wage and employment data, it can enable state leaders and individuals to answer questions such as:
- Which career-focused training programs deliver the strongest return on investment (ROI) for students and job seekers?
- Which education pathways lead to high-quality careers?
- How do specific industry-recognized certifications affect a worker’s long-term wage growth?
- How effectively do local talent pipelines generate a sufficient, sustained supply of skilled workers to meet regional hiring needs?
- What critical performance metrics best indicate the workforce success of state-funded education and training programs?
