The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration has recently issued a publication that will be extremely useful to the public. The “Guide to State and Local Workforce Data” provides links to a wealth of state and local employment and economic data – virtually all free – from government and private sector sources. It combines several features that make it uniquely valuable:

 Comprehensive coverage of the most valuable workforce data source from government and private sector sources
 Direct links to the data, which connects users immediately to the information they need
 Essential background information for each entry, including links to frequently asked questions, contact information if the user needs more help, glossaries, and the actual survey questions
 Key definitions and tips for using workforce statistics

The Guide can be easily customized by the user, and is designed for the broadest possible audience, including Educators, trainers and career counselors, Community and faith-based organizations, Economic development and strategic planners; employers, labor unions, Researchers, students, and the general public and more.

The Guide is available online at http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=2965

Questions can be directed to Frank Gallo, Workforce Analyst at the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Workforce Investment, Division of Workforce System Support. You can email him at Gallo.Frank@DOL.gov or call (202) 693-3755.