A recent paper by members of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) highlights innovative research on integrating technology and workforce training in Nevada. The study, titled "Revolutionizing Career Exploration: How Simulation and Immersive Technologies Are Boosting Labor Market Literacy Rates in Nevada’s Individual Career Mapping Framework," was presented at the 17th Annual International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation (iCERi).
The paper's authors include Karsten Heise and Tammy Westergard from GOED; contractors Jahairy Rivera and Michelle Rebaleati; Lifeliqe’s Co-Founder Mark Andersen and Michal Mizerak; and Grantcycle’s Ansley Fender. They introduced the Individual Career Mapping (ICM) process as a solution to low labor market literacy. This process uses virtual reality for career exploration and an assessment tool for computational thinking.
Westergard explained that economic growth relies on matching industry labor demand with job seekers' skills, highlighting the gap in labor market literacy. She stated, “Through Nevada’s innovative Individual Career Mapping process, which integrates tools like virtual reality and a computational thinking assessment, we are equipping people with a clear path to making sense of the job market.”
Heise emphasized that their methodology provides job seekers with accessible information, particularly those from underserved communities. “Not only are we able to provide the necessary information in such a way that it gives rise to individual agency but also so that its effectiveness can be rigorously tested by our academic partners,” he said.
The iCERi Conference served as a platform to evaluate ICM's impact on career-readiness skills. The study showed that technologies like virtual reality can enhance education and labor market literacy.
ICM is implemented in Nevada’s public libraries and workforce centers, offering virtual reality simulations and career-readiness assessments developed by NCLab. Joy Holt, Carson City Library director, noted how these tools are helping individuals gain insights into quality jobs.
Forrest Lewis from North Las Vegas Library District added that these immersive tools benefit the community by providing practical insights for employment opportunities.
In May, nine students from Elko County School District completed an ICM process with a 100% pass rate on National Career Readiness Certificate exams. Under GOED's leadership, ICM is expanding across Nevada to support federally funded initiatives under the CHIPS and Science Act.
Dr. Xue (Cher) Xing from UNLV highlighted the importance of improving labor market literacy through virtual reality technology. She remarked on its potential to empower individuals to navigate complex job markets while building STEM skills needed for meaningful careers.