Employing Residents in High Demand Careers

Even as unemployment rates nationwide are gradually going down after reaching historic levels in 2020, the recovery has been uneven across the country. As policymakers design interventions to increase employment in high-demand careers, they must first assess the challenges unique to their local context and consider the root causes of the mismatch between demand and supply — is there a lack of job opportunities for the unemployed or underemployed? Or are employers struggling to fill existing job openings? If job openings are going unfilled, it may be that residents need access to skill training opportunities, or that residents with necessary skills need help accessing jobs. On the other hand, if job opportunities are sparse, policy interventions to improve the local business environment or help companies cover payroll costs might be more appropriate. 

Determining the root causes — whether issues of supply, demand, or access — will help decision-makers understand the challenges specific to their jurisdiction and choose targeted policy interventions to successfully overcome barriers.

Policy Playbooks: Employing Residents in High Demand Careers