An O*NET Academy Briefing Staying Current: A Behind the Scenes Look at the O*NET Data Collection Process Dr. Janet E. Wall Senior Trainer, O*NET Academy

Objectives To review the O*NET content model To describe the data elements of the model Illustrate how data are collected Explain how O*NET database is updated

O*NET Content Model

Worker Characteristics

Worker Requirements

Experience Requirements

Occupation Requirements

Workforce Characteristics

Occupation-Specific Information

Each Can Be Expanded Basic Skills Expanded

Cross-Functional Example Cross Functional Skills Expanded

How Data Were Obtained Started with the DOT (12,000 occupations) –This information populated O*NET Taxonomy moved to Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) (OMB mandate for agencies that collect data) Data Collection initiated by DoL

Total Data More than 275 pieces of information are collected on occupations. A portion of the occupations are updated each year. Full update every 5 years for 812 occupations Data now collected for all 812, but is now being analyzed and will be incorporated soon Updates twice per year through June 2008 when first whole update is complete

Data Incorporation Database is posted on –Development database –Posted 3 months before incorporated into O*NET Online –Allows people to incorporate data into their own systems Information is included in –Production database

How Data are Updated DoL (via RTI) collects information from employees and occupation experts Information is collected using a two-stage design in which: –a statistically random sample of businesses expected to employ workers in the targeted occupations is identified –a random sample of workers in those occupations within those businesses are selected

How Data are Updated The O*NET questions have been organized into several different questionnaires covering various aspects of the occupation. Download the questionnaires at Each questionnaire is expected to take 30 minutes to complete. Questionnaires are p/p, computerized, in Spanish.

Questionnaire Completion Each worker sampled from an establishment is asked to complete one of the questionnaires related to their occupation. Occupational experts also answer these items. Occupational experts complete each one. –General Work Activities Questionnaire –Skills Questionnaire –Knowledge Questionnaire –Work Context Questionnaire

General Work Activities Questionnaire - Instructions

41 Actual Item Pairs

Item 2

Item 3

Skills Questionnaire – 35 Items

Item 2

Item 3

Knowledge Questionnaire

Item 2

Item 3

Work Context and Work Style Questionnaire – 54 Items

Work Context (con’t)

Other Items on Work Context Questionnaire

Work Style Items

For Tasks – Tailored to Occupation Every employee in the sample completes the task questionnaire.

Tasks Questionnaire

More

Another Occupation

Example Tasks

More Employees can add tasks.

Update Schedule

T2 and Job Zone Scraping website information and other means to obtain tools and technology information Education, training, and experience is collected from each employee

Future Plans Focus on collecting data for occupations that are in demand, high growth, or new and emerging. Publish new data once a year for approximately 100 occupations. Publish new interest and work values information for all 812 occupations in the summer of Continue to update and improve the lay title database. Collect T2 information for another 100 occupations

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Conclusion To review the O*NET content model To describe the data elements of the model Illustrate how data are collected from employees Explain how O*NET database is updated Important links – (O*NET Online) – (O*NET Resource Center) – (information, training and archived webinars)

Questions??

Other Webinars How to Download and Use the Computerized Working Interest Profiler and Work Importance Profiler Overview of the Ability Profiler How to Administer the Ability Profiler How to Interpret the Ability Profiler Results O*NET for the Older Worker O*NET for the Military Member in Transition O*NET for Job Seekers O*NET for Career Development Professionals and School Counselors Linking Education, Occupations, and Pay

Opportunities for O*NET Users “Spotlight” on onetacademy.com Podcasts on how you use O*NET