Using O*NET in Dislocated Worker Retraining: The Toledo Dislocated Worker Consortium Project.

A project used the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) to assist eligible dislocated workers in determining whether training offered by the Toledo Dislocated Worker Consortium fit their needs. More specifically, O*NET was used to help the dislocated workers understand whether they had knowledge and skills that were transferable into the occupations for which training was offered. The project approach included the following general steps: (1) identify O*NET occupations related to training offered; (2) develop procedures for using O*NET in assisting clients; (3) develop knowledge and skill assessment; (4) develop individual knowledge and skill report and provide labor market information; (5) provide training to Consortium staff; and (6) analyze results. Findings indicated clients and staff were able to complete the self-assessment process; clients were successful in rating those knowledges and skills that were important to the occupation of their last job; and client ratings were similar to or not much different than the ratings in O*NET for the occupation of their past job. (Appendixes, amounting to over one-half of the report, include O*NET occupations related to target training; self-assessment instrument; sample knowledge and skills report from the self assessment; and sample labor market information report.) (YLB)