WhereWeGo Labs: A New Era of Workforce Tools
In a bold move to bridge the gap in workforce technology, WhereWeGo, a prominent company founded by ex-educators, has officially launched WhereWeGo Labs. This initiative aims to revolutionize the way workforce tools are developed by focusing on real-world challenges faced by workers and organizations. Unlike traditional models that can be slow and costly, this project promises rapid development of free tools every month, driven by direct input from users.
The workforce ecosystem is undergoing significant transformation. Despite the plethora of research and strategies available, there is a noticeable lack of accessible tools that can translate these insights into practical applications. WhereWeGo recognizes this gap and is determined to change this narrative. Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, they intend to build essential tools that are not only efficient but also cost-effective.
Ben Ifshin, co-founder and CEO of WhereWeGo, emphasizes the initiative's intent: "Everyone understands the urgency to fill positions in high-demand sectors, yet many struggle to name even a handful of roles available. This is a gap that WhereWeGo Labs targets directly. We’re dedicated to quickly building solutions and welcoming feedback on which issues we should tackle next."
The first wave of offerings from WhereWeGo Labs includes:
- - Training Program Navigation for Mississippi: This tool will allow individuals to navigate local training options through an easy-to-use, searchable interface, directly answering the questions workers are asking.
- - Industry Clarity Score: This evaluation tool assesses how accessible a particular industry is for workers by analyzing the visibility of roles and the pathways available.
- - "Am I Cooked?" Tool: This interactive resource helps workers understand if their jobs are at risk due to AI disruptions, offering pathways for career adjustment based on current labor market trends.
- - Workforce Pell Eligibility Check: For training providers, this tool will clarify the nuances of Workforce Pell eligibility in a changing policy landscape.
- - Can a Mom Actually Work Here?: Addressing workplace culture, this tool evaluates organizational support for employees with caregiving roles and suggests improvements.
WhereWeGo has a track record of developing digital platforms that empower over three million users to explore career paths and training opportunities across various regions. With a commitment to actionable insights, proactive user engagement, and rapid iteration, WhereWeGo Labs seeks to build tools that are not only helpful but also deeply rooted in user needs.
Leah Lykins, co-founder and chief product officer, highlights the importance of community involvement in product development: "Making our process transparent allows for organic evolution and real feedback from users, which is vital to addressing the barriers workers face today."
With ongoing challenges in career navigation and the complexity of training discovery, WhereWeGo Labs aims to act as a catalyst for change. The initiative invites workers, training providers, and workforce organizations to explore its initial tools and contribute their ideas for future developments.
This collaborative approach reflects WhereWeGo’s commitment to fostering a dynamic, accessible workforce technology landscape. To learn more about WhereWeGo Labs and explore the available tools, visit
labs.wherewego.org. Ultimately, WhereWeGo's mission is to demystify workforce systems and create pathways for workers seeking better opportunities and support in their careers.
For more information about WhereWeGo, its mission, and offerings, you can follow their progress through various platforms where they share insights and updates about the initiative and its impact on workforce technology.