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Decoding job qualifications. Enabling success.
JobSync supports analyzing, documenting and communicating the essential characteristics of West Michigan jobs and what it takes to succeed at them.
Students and job seekers want rewarding careers. Educators want to meet accreditation standards and help students become qualified for jobs where they flourish. Employers want to accurately communicate the competencies for the jobs they need to fill so they can hire the right person.
JobSync helps make all of this possible.
By defining career qualifications, JobSync provides a common language to connect qualified applicants to occupations where they can thrive. It does this by distilling vast amounts of occupational data into practical, usable formats that are confirmed by local experts.
JobSync is an essential tool as West Michigan adopts more deliberate practices to improve our talent system. Accurate information is essential to choosing a career path, designing education and training to support that path, and making hiring decisions based on documented competency.
What We Do
JobSync focuses on careers relevant to our region by analyzing the West Michigan Works! list of Hot Jobs. Drawing from the world’s largest occupational database, the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET, JobSync compiles reports that define the competencies needed for these in-demand jobs. These findings are methodically reviewed and confirmed by local experts.
This information helps employers communicate their needs and improve hiring practices. It helps educators validate their curriculum and supports career coaches guiding clients on career paths. Ultimately, it helps individuals pursue the skills and education they need for careers where they thrive.
To learn more visit www.talnetjobsync.org.
How We Do It
The O*NET compiles data on hundreds of elements for nearly 1,000 occupations. JobSync makes sense of this vast information through an academically valid analysis.
First, in-demand occupations are grouped into statistically valid families to be analyzed. These groupings are validated by local industry councils consisting of major employers, workforce developers and educators.
Draft reports are then drawn from the O*NET for the job family using the Talxcellenz Talent Excellence System. The reports compile ratings of foundational competencies, along with occupational competencies, tools, technology and credentials for the job family.
These findings are then refined and confirmed by panels of subject matter experts –people working in these occupations who know firsthand what it takes to succeed. These review sessions are led by highly credentialed facilitators.
Who We Are
JobSync is being led by Grand Rapids Community College in partnership with West Michigan Works!
The process includes input from educators, employers, workforce professionals and people employed in the occupations being analyzed.
Julie Parks
Interim Dean, School of Workforce Development, Grand Rapids Community College
Amy Lebednick
Business Solutions Director, West Michigan Works!
Why You Should Be Involved
For employers, JobSync supports accurate job postings, interviews and selection. Creating a common language to communicate talent needs helps guide education and training. With objective information about the competencies needed, employers can make better hiring decisions.
For educators, the process and reports provide an understanding of how curriculum connects students to real-world success.
One way to get involved is by participating in consortia-style job analysis activities hosted by West Michigan Works! employer councils. Assigning staff to job analysis sessions is a way to recognize their expertise.
Another way to get involved is to use the valuable information provided by job analysis reports. This can improve job descriptions and education and training programs.
To learn more and view JobSync reports visit www.talnetjobsync.org.