INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE: LABOR MARKET
ANALYSIS FOR PROGRAM PLANNING
Kate Aitchison, Labor Market Analyst, MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (DEED)
In cooperation with SYSTEM OFFICE – academic Programs UNIT, MINNESOTA STATE
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SYSTEM (mnSCU)
JUNE 2012
OVERVIEW
This instructional guide supports a companion labor market analysis spreadsheet. The guide and
spreadsheet were developed by the Department of Employment & Economic Development’s
Labor Market Information office, in cooperation with MNSCU’s System Office, Academic
Programs Unit.
PURPOSE The purpose of the labor market analysis spreadsheet is to consolidate and present
several data sources in support of academic program planning and approval decisions.
Projected labor demand is considered when new workforce related academic programs are
proposed.
This instructional guide has been prepared to assist spreadsheet users.
SPREADSHEET There are five worksheets within the Excel spreadsheet file, which coincide with
each step listed in this document. At the top of each worksheet there is a goal listed, plus a
method, with basic instructions. Working through the five worksheets will produce an
occupationally- and regionally-specific labor market analysis.
The Excel spreadsheet is updated twice a year and can be down load from a link on:
http://www.programreview.project.mnscu.edu/ (Click on Labor Market Information.)
PROCESS Using a Notice of Intent, labor market analyses are submitted as one of the first steps for
a new program proposal. Program Navigator is the Web-based workflow software used to
submit program applications. Programs that have demonstrated sufficient labor market
demand are encouraged to submit a full program application. This Excel spreadsheet analysis
should be saved, and attached to the Notice of Intent in Program Navigator.
ASSISTANCE A staff directory is provided on the last page of this instructional guide. Questions and
comments about this guide and program approval process can be directed to the MnSCU
System Office, Academic Programs Unit.
Technical questions can be directed to Kate Aitchison, DEED Labor Market Information office.
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SET-UP
For the spreadsheet to work, your Excel workbook must be Macro-enabled. A Macro is an
automated task that is pre-programmed into the spreadsheet. You can either enable it by
saving a local copy of the workbook, or by adjusting your security settings while viewing the
workbook.
When you first open the spreadsheet, you’ll probably see a security warning at the top of the
screen like this:
By clicking ‘Enable Content’ – you allow Macros to function in the workbook, and can proceed
to work through the spreadsheet without saving.
TO SAVE YOUR WORKBOOK IN A MACRO-ENABLED FORMAT (RECOMMENDED)
1. Open the Excel file.
2. In the upper left, click on File –> Save As, and
select a name and location for your copy of
the workbook.
3. Below the name field is the ‘save as type’
drop down menu. Select ‘Macro Enabled
Workbook’ from the drop down menu.
4. Click Save.
5. When you reopen the workbook, your Macros
will automatically be enabled.
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STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR SOC CODE(S)
GOAL: SELECT ONE OR TWO SOC CODES AND ENTER THEM IN COLUMN E.
METHOD: BROWSE CIPS AND/OR SOCS IN THE CROSSWALK TABLE (OR OTHER RESOURCE) TO SELECT THE
APPROPRIATE SOC CODE(S).
While programs are identified by their CIP code (Classification of Instructional Programs),
occupational data is all organized by SOC code (Standard Occupational Classification) system.
You must select one or two SOC codes that represent the type of occupational outcomes your
new program will have. Our spreadsheet is equipped with a CIP/SOC crosswalk.
The CIP code you choose for your program should correspond with the desired SOC code. If
your program trains students for a new or emerging occupation, it may help to select two SOC
codes to define the field. When selecting two SOC codes, make sure at least one is directly
related to the designated CIP for your program.
Note: If you do NOT know either your CIP code or SOC code, use links at the top of the
spreadsheet (Step 1), use resources on Page 5-6, or contact MnSCU System Office,
Academic Programs Unit for assistance.
IF YOU KNOW YOUR CIP CODE
1. Select your CIP code from the list in Column A. You have two options for browsing (sorting or
text filtering) but must ultimately select CIP code(s) and name(s). In the column heading,
click a dropdown arrow and:
 Sort the values, or
 Select Text Filters and enter
information to narrow your
search.
 Scroll through the list of
values and check ones that
are of interest.
Note: Additional help with Excel
can be found at Microsoft Office
Excel Help online, keyword ‘filter’:
http://office.microsoft.com/enus/excel-help/.
2. Once you select your CIP code
from the Column A list, the
crosswalk will automatically
display corresponding SOC
codes in Columns C and D (see
example below).
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3. Choose the SOC code(s) from Column D that best matches your program. You can also refilter the list if you feel that a second SOC code is needed to analyze your program.
4. Type your selected SOC codes into the boxes.
Example: First part of CIP code is known
You want to start a new program at your institution based on your Forestry program, to train
people to work in an Environmental Testing lab for the US Forest Service.
You know that Forestry
programs are in the 03.05***
CIP codes. You can either
a) apply a ‘begins with’
filter using 03.05, or b) scroll
through Column A to find
the Forestry section of the
crosswalk. It lists all the
Forestry CIP codes, and
their related SOC codes in
Column C.
You see a SOC that looks
like a close match, ‘Forest &
Conservation Technicians’, SOC 19-4093. That number gets entered in cell E3.
BUT, if you were hoping to develop a program with more laboratory focus, you would want to
find another occupation that better covers those skills in cell E5.
If the secondary occupation does not show up in the existing crosswalk, either select a new CIP,
or explore the resources on the next two pages to identify a new CIP or SOC code.
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If you don’t know your CIP code:
The CIP User Site, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/ provides tools to help you locate the best
CIP code for your program.
Their help section, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/help/01_gettingstarted.aspx?y=55, can
guide you to the tool that will be the most helpful.
Further questions about CIP code selection can be directed to Academic Program staff members (see directory).
Once you’ve selected your CIP code, return to the instructions.
.
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If you don’t know your SOC code:
There are great online tools to help you explore and research SOC codes:
BLS.gov:
http://www.bls.gov/soc/:
Keyword search of SOC
definitions. Results provide a
short description and SOC
code.
O*NET Code Connector:
http://www.onetcodeconnector.org/ : Search by keyword search or job families. **Note: O*NET
codes are 8-digit codes that correspond closely with 6-digit SOC codes. To use the O*NET code
(format: XX-XXXX.XX) for this analysis, simply drop the last two digits after the period.
Once you know your SOC code, return to the instructions.
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Labor Market Analysis for Program Planning
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STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR REGION(S)
GOAL: SELECT ONE OR TWO GEOGRAPHIC AREAS AND ENTER THEM INTO COLUMN E USING THE DROP
DOWN MENU.
METHOD: REFERENCING THE MAP PROVIDED, SELECT THE REGION, GROUP OF REGIONS OR ENTIRE STATE TO
DESCRIBE YOUR SERVICE AREA.
Select the Step 2 tab at the bottom of the spreadsheet. Step 2 can be customized in a number
of ways, and should reflect your student recruitment area and the extent to which your
graduates will spread across the state for their job hunt. Even if your program has a statewide
reach you should still include data for your immediate economic development or planning
region as well.
1. Select your region(s) from the options provided in the map. A ‘region’ is a grouping of
counties. You have multiple options:
o Choose an Economic Development Region (EDR) - smallest geography available
o Choose a Planning Region - larger areas, usually made up of two or more EDRs
o Choose a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) – common metro areas other states
and is typically based on counties. It will overlap with the Planning/EDR regions.
o Choose the entire state
o Choose a combination the above
Use the map on to help you select the best region for your analysis. Clicking on the map will
open a larger version in your web browser.
2. Once you’ve selected your region(s), use the drop down menu in cell 3E and 5E to enter the
name of the region(s).
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DEFINING YOUR SERVICE AREA
Map can be found online at: http://www.programreview.project.mnscu.edu/vertical/Sites/%7B4744D4A75367-4707-B22E-6F4EDB73FFFF%7D/uploads/%7BDB5BD75C-EB90-4E1C-81C8-68F9E61FEB46%7D.PDF
The Planning Regions are made up of the following Economic Development Regions (EDRs)
o
o
o
Northwest: EDR 1, 2, 4, 5
Northeast: EDR 3
Central : EDR 7E, 7W, 6E
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o
o
o
Southwest: EDR 6W, 8, 9
Southeast: EDR 10
Metro: EDR 11
kate.aitchison@state.mn.us
STEP 3A: PULL THE DATA
GOAL: CREATE REPORT.
METHOD: PRESS CONTROL + E TO VIEW RESULTS.
Select the Step 3 tab at the bottom of the
spreadsheet. Now that you’ve entered your SOC
code(s) and Region(s), you can automatically filter
your results by pressing:
CTRL + e
Troubleshooting:

If the results displayed do not match what you were initially looking for, return to Steps 1
and 2 to verify your SOC code(s) or region code(s). If needed, changes can be made to
these codes, and then the Step 3 filter be re-run by pressing CTRL + e.

If you’d like to view the 26,000+ unfiltered results, find the Data tab at the top of the
screen, and the ‘clear filter’ icon on the toolbar. Click ‘Clear’ to view all of the unfiltered
records.
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STEP 3B: INTERPRETING YOUR RESULTS
After using the CONTROL + e command you’ll see a filtered list of results based on your input of
SOC code(s) and region(s). In Steps 1 & 2 you chose one or two occupations, and one or two
regions. For each SOC/region combination you selected, you will see a row of results. If you
chose 2 SOC codes, and 2 regions to analyze, you’ll see four rows of data displayed.
Hovering over the column titles (cells 6D-6L) provides you with a short explanation of the data
shown.
See the table below for more information about the data displayed.
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COLUMN HEADINGS
For results in step 3, columns of data provide the following information:
Column Heading
Interpretation
Column A – Region(s)
This column will list the region(s) selected in Step 2.
Column B/C – SOC
Code(s) & Job Title(s)
This column will list the SOC code(s) and job title(s) of the
occupation(s) selected in Step 1.
Column D –
Occupations in
Demand (OID)
This column will display the regional demand for the selected
occupation(s) based on: relative employment size, the number
of job openings, the projected future growth of the occupation,
seasonality, and the rate of unemployment among people in this
position. A zero to five star rating will be displayed. Occupations
that show no OID ranking did not have enough information to be
ranked (usually because the occupation is too small or new).
It answers the question: How strong is the demand for this
occupation in my region?
Column E –
Employment
This shows how many people are employed in this specific
occupation within the selected region. In the example, we can
see that Region 5 employs 40 Surgical Technologists. This is an
estimate based on our Occupational Employment Statistics
survey.
To calculate the share of employment of a given occupation,
divide it by the total regional employment found in the
Benchmarks table.
It answers the question: How many people are working in this
occupation in my region?
Column F/G – Starting
Wage and Salary
Column H – Annual
Projected Openings
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This is based on the 25th percentile of all wages for the
occupation, a good benchmark for ‘starting’ wage offers in a
position, calculated hourly and annually.
It answers the question: How much could a jobseeker expect to
be paid in a starting position in this occupation?
This number is based on 10 year employment projections, broken
down into annual job growth.
It answers the question: How many openings in this field can I
expect to see in a year?
Labor Market Analysis for Program Planning
kate.aitchison@state.mn.us
Column Heading
Column I – Typical
Education Needed for
Entry
Column J – Work
Experience in a
Related Occupation
Column K – Typical On
the Job Training
Needed to Attain
Competency
Column L –
Transferable Skills
Interpretation
Explains the typical level of training associated with the selected
SOC code.
It answers the question: What level of education should someone
have in order to work in this occupation?
Explains the average amount of work experience needed for the
selected SOC code, in lieu of a certain educational requirement.
This is typically associated with managerial and supervisory
positions.
It answers the question: What amount of experience should
someone have to work in this occupation?
Explains the typical level needed once someone is employed in
a job. It is occupation specific, not job specific.
It answers the question: What amount of on-the-job training is
normal for this occupation?
Utilizes the ‘My Skills My Future’ tool to see how the selected
occupation matches with other occupations. A Yes/No answer
indicates whether or not there are any occupations that have a
75% skill match with the selected occupation.
It answers the question: Are there any other occupations that
need skills similar to my current occupation?
Column M-O – Example
Occupations with
Matching Skills
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These are the three closest skill matches to the selected
occupation. They may or may not be within a 75% match (see
‘Transferable Skills’ field).
It answers the question: What other occupations need similar
skills to my current occupation?
Labor Market Analysis for Program Planning
kate.aitchison@state.mn.us
Benchmarks: The grey box below the results of your search can provide benchmark data about
the regions and state following the same measures listed above. Each region displays data for
ALL OCCUPATIONS. You can use this Benchmarks table to compare your region and
occupation to other areas of the state, answering questions like:
Does the occupation make more or less than the average regional wage?
Is the proposed occupation a significant portion of the local economy?
Will the proposed occupation make up a significant share of projected future jobs?



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Labor Market Analysis for Program Planning
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STEP 4: OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
GOAL: PLEASE CONSIDER THE QUESTIONS BELOW. PROVIDE YOUR ANSWER IN COLUMN B.
METHOD: USE THE PROVIDED LINKS TO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.
Use step 4 to help enrich your analysis, and provide further examples of how the proposed
program is meeting workforce needs. Enter summaries of your findings into the spreadsheet.
1. Identify job openings that indicate this program is warranted. Go online (or to your
newspaper, etc.) and copy a relevant job posting that a graduate of your program
could qualify for. You can address the demand for training programs, certifications, work
experience that your program will provide to jobseekers.
RESOURCES - OPENINGS




http://www.MinnesotaWorks.net/
http://www.indeed.com/
http://www.monster.com/
Other online resources include: industry job boards, newspaper job listings, free
posting sites (like Craigslist), and association job boards (MN Council of NonProfits, etc.).
If you can’t find a job with the SOC job title you’ve selected, browse the Lay Job Titles
database to find other keywords to use in your search:
http://www.bls.gov/soc/soc_2010_direct_match_title_file.pdf
2. Identify opportunities for career advancement. This field allows you talk about the ways
the program could be used to springboard someone onto another career. You can
address the career ladder for this position, especially if it initially garners a lower wage.
You could also use the opportunity to talk about the transferable skills taught in the
program, and how it might lead someone onto a career in a different field.
RESOURCES - CAREERS




CareerOneStop Sample Career Ladders (retail, construction, hospitality, IT, long-term
healthcare, advanced manufacturing, energy, financial services):
http://www.careeronestop.org/competencymodel/careerpathway/cpwreviewsamplepaths
.aspx
Saginaw Valley Career Ladders database (IT, construction, processing occupations,
healthcare occupations, advanced manufacturing):
http://www.saginet.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=92
ISEEK Green Career Paths: http://www.iseek.org/industry/green/careers/greenpathways.html
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career Pathways:
http://www.cte.mnscu.edu/consortia_resources/documents/POS_ColorHighRes.pdf
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Labor Market Analysis for Program Planning
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STEP 5: CONCLUSIONS & FINAL STEPS
GOAL: PREPARE A SUMMARY USING FINDINGS FROM STEPS 3 AND 4.
METHOD: ENTER YOUR CONCLUSIONS IN THE TEXT BOX BELOW.
This is a spot to pull together what you’ve learned from the spreadsheet, and highlight the
strengths of your proposed program. Incorporate the LMI data produced in Step 3, comparisons
to regional benchmarks (also Step 3), and results from the online research in Step 4. Other
separate resources can also be included in the write up.
This is also a space where you can address any limitations of the process. For example, if you are
proposing a career that is a combination of two occupations, the data may not fully capture
the demand for this new career. Articulating those limitations shows that you’ve made the best
effort to provide as relevant an analysis as is possible.
1. Type your analysis into the text box.
2. Save your workbook and attach it to your Notice of Intent (online) through Program
Navigator.
3. Print your workbook to keep for your own records and future program planning.
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SUPPORT
DEED (Department of Employment & Economic
Development)
Kate Aitchison, Research Analyst, labor market assistance
Kate.aitchison@so.mnscu.edu
(651) 259-7416
Labor Market Information Helpline
Staffed by Research Analysts: Mon-Fri, 9am - 3pm
deed.lmi@state.mn.us
1-888-234-1114 or (651) 259-7384
MnSCU Academic Programs
Ron Dreyer, System Director for Academic Programs
Ron.Dreyer@so.mnscu.edu
(651) 201-1684
Tamara Arnott, Academic Programs Director
Tamara.Arnott@so.mnscu.edu
(651) 201-1685
Marta Mohr, Academic Programs Director
Marta.Mohr@so.mnscu.edu
(651) 201-1683
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