In 2026 Job Centers Can't Work the Old Way Anymore
If the pace of job creation had been roughly even with 2024 (which was in itself well below levels seen in 2021-2023), employers would have added more than 1.4 million more jobs in 2025 than were actually realized. This would have resulted in 1.3% growth in employment in 2025 rather than the 0.4% growth that was recorded. Payroll employment was revised downward for both October and November, resulting in 76,000 fewer jobs added than previously announced. In total, US employers added an estimated 584,000 jobs in 2025, the worst year since 2009 (outside of COVID) and far below the 2 million added in 2024. Source: Indeed Hiring Lab
How Our Nation's Job Centers Lost Their Reach
Since 2003, state job service funding has been cut in half. Not in percentage terms. In actual buying power after inflation adjustment.
States had to make hard choices. They cut staffing. They closed job centers, especially in rural areas. They eliminated job search workshops and support services that helped people compete for better jobs.
Today, 77% of U.S. counties don't have a comprehensive job center. 37% of the population lives in areas with no access to full services.
Your staff is doing their best with less. The old model just needs to adapt.
Job Center Assistance Isn't Working Well For Veterans
Veterans
A national average of 61% of all veterans seeking assistance in job centers in PY 2023 were over 45 years of age with extensive prior civilian as well as military experience. 29% had college degrees yet in PY 2023 veterans averaged a 32% decline in wages from pre-job center to six months post job center earnings. Their average wage at six months was only 21% higher than what a cashier would be paid in their state. This trend occurs in state after state year after year.
Disabled Veterans
In PY 2023, the average state negotiated wage for disabled veterans was only 23% above what a cashier could expect to be earning. The average negotiated wage for disabled veterans was 62% below the state average wage at the time. The six-month post earnings of disabled veterans seeing DVOPs was 35% below the average wage. Every state exceeded their negotiated wage goals. Most by over 150%. 43% of all states registered 10 or fewer disabled veterans in their WIOA Adult statewide in one program year though they have priority of service. No states were sanctioned over non-compliance with the enrollment of disabled veterans in their WIOA Adult or asking to embark on a path of corrective action.
Homeless Veterans
76% of all states had 25% or fewer homeless veterans working at twelve months after receiving job center assistance. Only 16% of the homeless veteran sub-population were working at both six and twelve months after leaving job centers. In 78% of the states low-income clients six months after exiting were making less than the average fast-food worker in their state was making.
An Alternative Job Search Assistance Model
Assisting clients to effectively brand themselves, showcase their productivity, their skills, and their work character.
Transferrable Skills Are The Key To Successful Self-Branding Towards Employment
The same skills are applied in many different occupational contexts in civilian and military settings. The same with tools and technology. Identifying past experience in the context of target occupations allows job seekers to market their past in a compelling manner that makes them competitive with others.
Learn more →Career Exploration That Works
Our "What If?" tool shows people real, in-demand jobs that pay better than where they started. No degree required. Better stability. Real market data so they see actual wages and job availability before they commit to a path.
Learn more →Tax Credits Built Into the Plan
We embed Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) conditional certifications directly into each person's employment plan. That's $2,400-$9,600 in tax credits for employers who hire and retain them. It tips the scale toward actual job offers.
Learn more →From Assessment to Sustainable Work
This is your clients' Path To A Job
Pick a Target Occupation
Includes economic mobility career exploration for low-income clients
Build Their Case
Demonstrate relevant skills and accomplishments to successfully compete for their target occupation
Get Fully Prepared
Get fully prepared to successfully interview
Built for Your Team and Their Clients
Occupational Data Integration
All guidance pulls from O*NET occupational data so job targeting is based on real labor market demand, not guessing.
Networking Tool
Access to all local businesses that staff their target occupation. Networking guidance included to make those connections count.
Military-to-Civilian Translation
Military service translates directly as comparable work experience. No more "I just did military stuff." It becomes occupational value.
WOTC Conditional Certifications
Embedded in every personalized plan. Veterans and SNAP recipients get tax credit certifications that employers can use immediately upon hire.
Compelling Content Blocks
Same resume language works in LinkedIn profiles, interviews, and networking conversations. Consistency builds credibility and interview readiness.
Education & Training Integration
Certifications, credentials, and training programs that advance their case get seamlessly woven into their positioning.
AI Generated Interview Questions
Based on skills, tools, and technologies specific to the target occupation. Clients know what to expect and can prepare thoroughly.
AI Generated Personalized Questions
Based on clients' personal resumes or summaries of qualifications. Practice interviews tailored to their unique background and experience.
Achieve Better Client Outcomes
Delivering higher wages and job stability for clients should not require expensive new services or an infusion of new staff.