Written by Michael Schmierer and Josh Richardson
In November 2023, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) introduced Pivot, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered workforce engine designed and implemented by Resultant, providing targeted, data-driven job recommendations for unemployed individuals.
More specifically, Pivot analyzes data from the Indiana State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS), including an individual’s work, wage, and educational background. This allows the tool to deliver personalized job recommendations and streamline the job search process. Beyond helping claimants find jobs aligned with their skills, Pivot identifies opportunities for career growth through higher wages and additional education, ultimately enhancing economic mobility and improving employment outcomes for Indiana’s workforce.
Unlike other solutions that are only capable of tracking user activity, Pivot’s comprehensive approach provides insights throughout the user journey. Pivot reports acceptance of a recommended job, enrollment in training, completion of training, and changes to an individual’s rate of pay.
High Usage and Engagement
Initial reports after implementation of Pivot show usage has surpassed initial expectations and user engagement is strong. Although Indiana DWD does not require unemployment insurance claimants to engage with Pivot, 67% used the tool between June and December 2024. Of those users, over 6,800 claimants selected “yes” on a recommended job.
Notably, more than 1,100 claimants accepted jobs listed in their top 15 personalized recommendations and more than 700 switched industries entirely. This data underscores Pivot’s effectiveness in making relevant job suggestions and guiding users toward career paths with greater potential for growth.
Significant Wage Increases
Early wage data indicates Pivot’s positive economic impact. Individuals who switched jobs based on the tool’s recommendations experienced an average hourly wage increase of $2.15, compared to $1.42 for those who did not follow the recommended pathways.
For those who accepted their top recommended job, their wage increase was almost twice as high at $3.98 per hour. This translates to more than $8,200 in annual taxable income per person. This early data demonstrates the potential of Pivot to substantially boost economic mobility for Indiana’s workforce and generate tax revenue for the state.
Expanding Knowledge and Skills
One of the biggest barriers preventing workers from moving to higher-paying jobs is the inability to pursue training while maintaining financial stability for extended periods. Because they have monthly bills to pay, workers sometimes become trapped in the jobs they have. This is especially true for individuals who have not received education or training after high school.
Indiana’s focus on encouraging the use of unemployment insurance time for training highlights the broader impact of Pivot on educational attainment. By breaking down barriers to training programs, Pivot empowers users to gain new skills, improve their qualifications, and enhance their overall employability and marketability.
Users also have the option to share their data with Ivy Tech Community College through Indiana DWD. For example, if a user expresses interest in a supply chain logistics certification, they can opt into sharing their data through Pivot. This triggers direct follow up with the user to provide additional information, answer questions, and discuss next steps, creating a pathway to education and training programs.
Although it is still early, initial data suggests Pivot users are increasingly pursuing educational and training program opportunities. This will likely result in improved long-term employment outcomes.
Conclusion
Early data from Indiana DWD’s implementation of Pivot points to a positive future for workforce development in the state. By offering personalized job and training recommendations, Pivot helps individuals find meaningful employment that aligns with their skills and aspirations, while increasing economic mobility.
Indiana DWD, in collaboration with Resultant, is committed to continuously refining the Pivot tool to maximize its benefits for citizens and contribute to the state’s economic growth. Planned functionality enhancements, including the addition of job postings directly into the tool by the end of Q1 2025, will further expand Pivot’s capabilities. Additionally, incorporating broader datasets will allow the tool to better serve diverse populations and improve its job and training recommendations. As more insights become available, further analysis will shed light on the long-term impacts of this innovative solution.
The success of this early implementation phase underscores the importance of data-driven approaches in modern workforce development strategies.
Learn how Resultant’s Workforce Recommendation Engine (WRE) harnesses state data and the power of AI to enhance state workforce services and empower job seekers.
Then contact us to discuss the development of a fully customized solution for your state.
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