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Closing the Mismatch: Encouraging Jobseekers to Reskill for Shortage Occupations

Author

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  • Leduc, Elisabeth

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Tojerow, Ilan

    (Université Libre de Bruxelles)

Abstract

We partner with a Public Employment Service to examine whether jobseekers can be encouraged to reskill for shortage occupations. In a large-scale field experiment involving 100,000 recently unemployed individuals, we provide information on shortage occupations and related training opportunities. The intervention increased participation in transversal training courses by 6%, but did not boost enrolment in occupational training for shortage jobs. Jobseekers also shifted their search towards high-demand occupations, yet employment remained unchanged. These findings suggest that while low-cost informational interventions can influence job search and training behaviour, different approaches are likely needed to drive substantial reskilling among jobseekers.

Suggested Citation

  • Leduc, Elisabeth & Tojerow, Ilan, 2025. "Closing the Mismatch: Encouraging Jobseekers to Reskill for Shortage Occupations," IZA Discussion Papers 17731, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17731
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Labour shortages; Training; Job search; RCT; Unemployment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • J68 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Public Policy

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