Closing the Mismatch: Encouraging Jobseekers to Reskill for Shortage Occupations

Elisabeth Leduc () and Ilan Tojerow ()
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Elisabeth Leduc: Erasmus University Rotterdam
Ilan Tojerow: Université Libre de Bruxelles

No 17731, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

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.

Keywords: Labour shortages; Training; Job search; RCT; Unemployment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J24 J62 J68 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-02
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