Deploying Access to Jobs to a New State

This guide walks you through deploying the Access to Jobs workforce navigator to any U.S. state. The skill is designed with a modular architecture: universal modules work everywhere, while state-specific reference files are swapped per deployment.

Overview

Step 1: Gather State Data

You will need:

1. Your state's WIOA Combined State Plan (or Unified State Plan)

• Source: Your state workforce agency website, or search [State] WIOA Combined State Plan on Google
• DOL also maintains plans at: https://wioaplans.ed.gov/
• Key sections: Title I programs, Title II (AEL), Title IV (VR), partner programs, performance data

1. Labor market intelligence

• Your state's LMI agency (equivalent of Missouri's MERIC)
• BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for your state
• Lightcast or Burning Glass for job posting volume (if available)

1. Training provider information

• WIOA Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) — available from your state workforce agency
• Community college and technical school program catalogs
• Registered Apprenticeship programs in your state

1. Local workforce development area details

• LWDA name, region, and boundaries
• Job Center / American Job Center address and contact
• Key local employers by sector
• Local training providers

Step 2: Replace State-Specific Files

references/state-programs.md

Use the Missouri file as a template. Replace all program names, eligibility criteria, and access points with your state's equivalents.

Required sections:

• Core WIOA Programs (Title I: Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth)
• Adult Education and Literacy (Title II)
• Vocational Rehabilitation (Title IV)
• SNAP Employment & Training (your state's brand name)
• TANF work program (your state's brand name)
• Veterans services (JVSG, state-specific programs)
• Trade Adjustment Assistance
• Unemployment Insurance (your state's UI system)
• Specialty populations and programs
• Supportive services available
• Key system access points (URLs, portals)
• Performance benchmarks (if available)

Tip: Search your state plan PDF for these section headers. Most states organize their plans similarly because DOL requires the same content.

references/state-labor-market.md

Replace all occupation lists, employment data, and regional snapshots.

Required sections:

• Job tier framework (NOW/NEXT/LATER — adapt to your state's classification if different)
• Statewide employment overview
• High-demand NOW occupations (top 10)
• High-demand NEXT occupations (top 10–15)
• High-demand LATER occupations (top 5–7)
• Top industries by employment
• Regional snapshot (your state's workforce regions)
• Employer needs and skill gaps
• Registered Apprenticeship pathways
• Where job seekers find jobs (state job board, major portals)

references/state-training-pathways.md

Replace all funding sources, training providers, and credential pathways.

Required sections:

• Decision logic (same framework works everywhere)
• Pathway by job tier (NOW/NEXT/LATER)
• Funding sources — detailed (WIOA ITA, state scholarship programs, SNAP E&T, VR, OJT, apprenticeship)
• Special populations — training notes
• Stackable credential progressions (healthcare, IT, construction, manufacturing)
• Key institutions
• How to access training (step-by-step)

references/local-area.md

Replace with your target local workforce development area.

Required sections:

• LWDA status and WIOA region assignment
• Job Center / American Job Center location and contact
• Economic profile (employment, unemployment, key industries)
• Key local employers by sector
• Local training providers
• Rapid Response protocol (for mass layoffs)
• Veteran-specific programs (state OJT programs)
• Incumbent Worker Training status
• Active WIOA waivers
• UI claimant protocol

Step 3: Light Customization

These files work mostly as-is but need location-specific references updated.

references/action-plan-template.md

• Replace jobs.mo.gov with your state's job board URL
• Replace Missouri Job Center references with your state's American Job Center brand
• Update Day 1 resource checklist with state-specific URLs
• Update regional note if applicable

references/barrier-populations.md

• Update state-specific statistics (veteran population, disability rates, etc.)
• Update program names (e.g., Missouri's "SkillUP" → your state's SNAP E&T brand)
• Update DOC/reentry program names and statistics
• Update youth program names (JAG availability varies by state)

references/staff-workflows.md

• Update agency names in referral letter template
• Update employer outreach scripts with local program names
• Update case management system name (Missouri uses "MoJobs")
• Update performance tracking benchmarks

references/jobseeker-experience.md

• Update wage data in Module 18 (minimum wage, living wage estimates)
• Update employer examples in Module 16 (LinkedIn section)
• Update career exploration portal URLs

Step 4: Test

1. Upload the modified skill to Claude.ai
2. Run these test prompts and verify correct routing and content:

"I just got laid off, what should I do?"
→ Should route to Module 0 (Eligibility) with state-specific programs

"Write me a resume for a CNA position"
→ Should produce ATS-optimized resume with state credential references

"Am I eligible for job training?"
→ Should route to Module 0 with state funding programs

"I'm a veteran looking for work"
→ Should flag priority of service and veteran-specific programs

"I'm a case manager. Help me write case notes."
→ Should detect staff mode and route to Module 11

1. Verify that state-specific program names, URLs, and statistics appear correctly
2. Verify that universal modules (resume, cover letter, interview prep) still work

Step 5: Contribute Back

If you deploy to a new state, consider contributing your state files back to the repository:

1. Create a branch: state/[state-abbreviation] (e.g., state/il)
2. Add your state files to a states/[abbreviation]/ directory
3. Submit a PR with the state name and data sources cited

Over time, we aim to build a library of state-specific implementations that any workforce organization can deploy.

Questions?

• Email: dougdevitre@gmail.com
• GitHub Issues: cotrackpro/access-to-jobs/issues