As the so-called “Great Resignation” continues to create workforce challenges nationwide, more states are leveraging online resources, technology and data to simplify the job search process. Recent examples include the Hoosier Talent Network and the Virginia Career Works Referral Portal.
“The ultimate goal is to get information about new and emerging employment and enterprise opportunities in the hands of those seeking to advance their careers, or grow and expand their businesses,” Gordon said in the announcement.
The dashboard for Wyoming is called BOOTS, which stands for Business Occupational Outlook Tool Sets, and offers education-focused tools, workforce development and business resources.
For job seekers, SkillsMatch offers personalized career and education recommendations based on an individual’s skills. Users can find jobs filtered by location, company or skill. There is also a career assessment and even a tool to help users build a professional resume online. Veterans are also able to use a tool to find careers related to their military occupation.
For businesses, the platform offers resources for companies that are based both inside and outside of the state to explore economic trends on employment opportunities, including industry-specific data. Users can explore how the number of job postings from the state or other major companies changes over time. In addition, users can see what jobs are in high demand using data related to how the pay is changing for those in specific career areas.
The BOOTS project originated in 2019, when the National Governors Association, in partnership with Strada Education Network, awarded the governor’s office grant funding.
The tool is coordinated with the Wyoming Innovation Partnership, launched with federal American Rescue Plan funding last fall, which seeks to support the state’s economic vision through collaborative programs.
