Day 1 An Overview of Regional Economic and Workforce Data 

The purpose of this one-day session is to provide analysts with an overview of the various available data sources to conduct analyses that support state and regional economic or workforce strategies. This program provides insights into key workforce data programs followed by an overview of key economic and demographic data resources.

Key session topics during this training module include:

• Workforce Data Sources and Programs
  • Review of key workforce information terms and concepts
  • Review of industry and occupational data sources and data structure
  • Examination of key analytic tools (including O*NET )
• Regional Economic and Demographic Data
  • Federal statistical sources for economic and demographic data
  • State and regional economic data and their uses
  • Key demographic data tools (including American Community Survey)
• Data integration efforts (including overview of ETA Community Economic Hot Reports)

Day 2 Introduction to Basic Analysis Methods for Understanding Your Regional Economy

The purpose of this one-day session is to provide the foundations for understanding how regional economies function and to describe the key principles driving economic growth. The session will provide analysts with basic regional economic theories and the skills required to analyze regional drivers that most greatly influence economic growth and new job development.

Key session topics during this training module include:

• Applied statistics refresher for conducting regional economic and labor market analysis
• Applying economic base theory to regional economies
• Calculating and using location quotients
• Conducting a shift-share analysis

Day 3 Analyzing and Presenting Workforce Data for Policymakers

The purpose of this session is to apply key analytic skills to practical, real-world questions that policymakers and practitioners encounter. The session will offer practical tips for experienced analysts on techniques to document your region's labor shed to identify good-paying jobs and the skills they require. The session will also explore techniques for communicating regional economic analysis effectively to policy leaders and practitioners.

Key session topics during this training module include:

• Selecting appropriate data sources, including "real time" and proprietary data
• Examining key labor market characteristics that policymakers value
• Communication tips - for the web, policy briefs, and oral presentations
• Practical exercises in presenting to policymakers and practitioners

Terry Clower, Ph.D. - University of North Texas

Drew Conrad, CEcD - University of Northern Iowa

Days 1 - 3 will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4/4:30 p.m.  

Use this form to register by fax or mail.  For additional information, contact Sean McNamara at 703-522-4980.