Methodology
How the Navigator works
A transparent, auditable path from an intake conversation to a fundable training plan that your performance reporting can stand behind.
- 01
Skills inventory
22 self-report items on a five-point scale. Each item loads onto one of 14 dimensions drawn from the O*NET Content Model — Skills, Abilities, Knowledge and Work Styles.
- 02
Profile scoring
Item responses are averaged by dimension to produce a 1–5 proficiency score, separated into hard (technical/knowledge) and soft (work style) skills.
- 03
Occupational matching
Each occupation carries an importance vector across the same dimensions. Readiness is the importance-weighted fit between the participant profile and those requirements, capped at each dimension so surplus skill in one area cannot mask a deficit in another.
- 04
Demand weighting
Readiness is adjusted by demand tier — high-demand occupations receive an 8-point boost, growing occupations 4 points, steady occupations none — so ranking reflects the local board's in-demand industry sector list.
- 05
Gap analysis to IEP
Any dimension where the participant falls more than 0.4 below the required importance becomes a documented gap. Gaps convert directly to Measurable Skill Gain benchmarks in the Individual Employment Plan.
- 06
WIOA performance projection
The plan projects all six primary indicators of performance under WIOA §116(b)(2)(A), including median earnings modeled from entry-level wage for the target SOC code.
The 14 scored dimensions
Hard skills
Digital & Technology
Software, systems, networks and everyday digital tooling.
O*NET 2.B.3.e Programming / 2.A.1.f Computers
Data & Analysis
Working with numbers, records, reporting and measurement.
O*NET 2.A.1.e Mathematics / 2.B.2.i Systems Analysis
Mechanical & Equipment
Operating, maintaining and repairing machines and equipment.
O*NET 2.B.3.g Equipment Maintenance / 2.C.9.a Mechanical
Health & Patient Care
Direct care, clinical protocols, safety and patient support.
O*NET 2.C.6 Health Services / 2.B.1.f Service Orientation
Business & Finance
Budgets, compliance, scheduling and office operations.
O*NET 2.C.7.a Administration and Management
Skilled Trades & Construction
Hands-on building, installation, blueprints and jobsite safety.
O*NET 2.C.9.b Building and Construction
Transportation & Logistics
Driving, routing, warehousing and supply movement.
O*NET 2.C.8.a Transportation
Soft skills
Communication
Explaining clearly, listening and writing for a purpose.
O*NET 2.A.1.a Reading / 2.A.1.b Active Listening
Problem Solving
Diagnosing issues and choosing a workable path forward.
O*NET 2.B.2.i Complex Problem Solving
Teamwork
Coordinating with coworkers to get shared work done.
O*NET 2.B.1.d Coordination
Adaptability & Learning
Picking up new tools, routines and expectations quickly.
O*NET 2.A.2.b Active Learning
Customer & Client Service
Helping people, de-escalating and following through.
O*NET 2.B.1.f Service Orientation
Leadership & Initiative
Directing work, training others and taking ownership.
O*NET 2.B.1.e Persuasion / 2.B.4.g Management of Personnel
Attention to Detail
Accuracy, documentation and following procedure exactly.
O*NET 1.C.5.c Attention to Detail
A note on data
This demonstration uses a sample of O*NET-SOC 2019 occupations with illustrative national-blend wage and growth figures. In a production deployment these are replaced by your state LMI feed, the local board's in-demand occupation list, and your ETPL provider catalog.
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