This section explores the U.S. digital jobs landscape through the lens of demand, place, and pathways. It begins with Sector Highlights, outlining key industries driving demand for entry-level IT roles and the credentials most valued…
A JFF analysis of employer signals, short term credentials, and regional highlights A roadmap to today’s digital jobs landscape—labor market trends, credentials, employer insights, and regional examples to expand equitable, skills-based pathways into digital jobs.…
Building Fair Chance Ecosystems at the State Level A national initiative led by JFF’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement to transform state systems so people with histories of incarceration can access education and careers…
IDEAS expands access to dual enrollment opportunities by piloting the hub model, connecting schools, colleges, and communities to ensure more students earn meaningful credits before graduation. This structure creates consistency across institutions, making it easier…
Employer Interviews In March 2025, the JFF team conducted eight structured interviews with IT hiring managers representing organizations in the public administration, health care, and technology sectors. Each interview lasted approximately 60 minutes and provided…
This section features recommendations for not only workforce boards but also employers, training providers, and professionals who help workers and learners navigate the early stages of their careers. Above all, it urges partners to understand…
What reliably instills them with confidence that an applicant can do the job is applied experience (internships or jobs in labs, for example) and the ability to describe their skills with clarity and poise—which indicates…
This section features a road map to the IT credential landscape. It breaks the offerings down into four dominant types—Industry‑Led, Brand‑Aligned, Academic Nondegree, and Online Platform Provider‑Led—and offers comparisons of their cost and the time…
A resource to help talent professionals demonstrate how skills-based talent management delivers agility, innovation, and sustained growth. The talent landscape is shifting faster than ever. Skills gaps are widening, AI is redefining entire industries, and…