- Workforce Longitudinal Data System (WLDS)
In 2012, Michigan was awarded U.S. Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration funds to create a connection between workforce data and Michigan’s existing educational State Longitudinal Data System. The resulting Workforce Longitudinal Data System (WLDS) allowed Michigan to connect and evaluate educational and workforce data. Michigan’s Talent Investment Agency received a second grant award in 2015 which added partner agencies and their data to provide longitudinal results for a larger population for our stakeholders.
The WLDS partners with the Michigan Department of Education, Center for Educational Performance and Information, the Department of Technology, Management and Budget’s Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, and Unemployment Insurance to merge information from separate systems to provide essential aggregate data to Michigan’s stakeholders, including students/parents, teachers, legislators, workforce and education policymakers, taxpayers and employers.
The linkage of database records allows analysis of the relationship between education and training programs, the provision of employment services, and employment within Michigan. The enhanced data can be used to make informed decisions about training and education, policy, and programming to improve our return on investment.
Related WLDS Information
- Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI)
Manages the State’s centralized education repository of pre-K to post-secondary institutions, and provides data analysis.
- Labor Market Information
The official source for high quality demographic and labor market information for the State of Michigan and its regions.
- Michigan Training Connect
The State’s official training provider list for individuals qualifying for an Individual Training Account (ITA) under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Visitors are able to choose between different methods of researching providers and programs.
- Pathfinder
Michigan's New Career Exploration Tool
- Workforce Data Quality Campaign (WDQC)
Compiles a State Blueprint to track progress in state data systems.
- Workforce Data Quality Initiative (WDQI)
Details the federal workforce longitudinal grants and the participating states.
Other Resources
- The Workforce Longitudinal Data System (WLDS) Program Overview
- What About Privacy?
This video, created by the Virginia Longitudinal Data System, describes the process of ensuring the highest levels of confidentiality. Michigan’s WLDS utilizes similar techniques for maintaining data privacy.
- The Power of Longitudinal Data Systems: Connecting Data Across Programs and Over Time
This video describes why many states are aggregating large sets of workforce and educational data, and building tools to help program staff, administrators, and policymakers analyze important patterns and trends.
