Latest news with #KansasDepartmentofLabor
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kansas unveils TOTO, a new career exploration tool
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Kansas Department of Labor's Labor Market Information division has partnered with Geographic Solutions to create a new website focused on students and career seekers. The website is called Today's Occupations, Tomorrow's Opportunities, or T.O.T.O., a reference to Dorothy's cairn terrier in the Wizard of Oz. It is designed to help students and career seekers explore different career paths. The department says the website features self-service tools so people can explore their interests, develop potential career paths, and find employment opportunities in Kansas. It also features specially curated worksheets and guides that offer direction on career development, job searching strategies, and interview preparation for facilitators. Stocks fall in a manic Monday after Trump doubles down on tariffs Other features include: Wizard of Jobs – Reality CheckHelps users estimate the salary needed for their desired lifestyle, bridging the gap between financial planning and career decision-making. Virtual Career Center – Comprehensive Career Exploration and PlanningConnects users to localized occupation data and education and training programs aligned with their interests and salary goals. It also provides real-time Kansas job postings, résumé and interview preparation tools, and access to apprenticeships and internships. Electronic Portfolio – Portable Record of Career Development and ReadinessTracks student progress through personalized dashboards and profiles, saving interest inventories, preferred careers and programs, and other career development activities and artifacts. Curated Resources – Support for Students and FacilitatorsProvides students and facilitators with user-friendly materials to guide students throughmeaningful career exploration and planning. Partnering Schools and Institutions – Student ManagementEnables student service and tracking tools for partnering schools and institutions with customization options and detailed reporting. 'The launch of T.O.T.O. represents a significant step forward in empowering the next generation of workers in the state of Kansas,' Labor Secretary Amber Shultz said in a news release. 'Through our partnership with Geographic Solutions, we can better equip students and career changers with advanced career exploration tools that will help them make informed decisions about their professional futures.' 'I am thrilled to support the launch of T.O.T.O. and am confident this new platform will help Kansans find meaningful careers,' Governor. Laura Kelly said. 'By investing in an updated, engaging, and comprehensive career exploration platform, we are showing our commitment to building a strong workforce in Kansas.' 'We are proud to partner with the Kansas Department of Labor to develop T.O.T.O. to help younger generations find their career path as they navigate today's ever-evolving job market,' Paul Toomey, Geographic Solutions president and founder, said. 'T.O.T.O is more than a job search board, it's an intuitive platform that will serve as a compass for students and career changers alike, guiding them towards opportunities that align with both their talents and the state's growing industries.' For more information about T.O.T.O., click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kansas Labor Report shows job growth; slight unemployment rise
SOUTHEAST KANSAS — The Kansas Department of Labor releases a preliminary report for the end of 2024—showing an increase in the unemployment rate, but also an increase in jobs. 'When we see reports like this that come out and we're like slight growth, we get a little excited. But you've really got to put it in perspective,' said Jim Zaleski, Parsons economic development director. Parsons economic development director Jim Zaleski is referring to the 2024 year-end Kansas labor report. 'We've seen the growth across the state and we applaud the Department of Commerce. They've done a great job. Unfortunately, some parts of Kansas, specifically rural, are lagging behind. We're in that flat mode,' said Zaleski. Last December, statewide estimates show non-farm jobs increased by 1,200. The largest increases were in leisure and hospitality, as well as trade, transportation, and utilities. But the state did see a decrease in professional and business services. Parsons city leaders continue to focus on keeping their numbers from dropping. 'We still are focusing on our highest priorities, which are workforce development, of course. But workforce development is made up of two things, and that's housing and child care.' Zaleski says making these priorities can help and bring those jobs to the area. 'We are going to focus on the building blocks so that when we do get that company to come here, we're ready for them to move in.' The unemployment rate was slightly up in December to three point six percent—a full percent increase from December of twenty-three. 'Three point six is still a very healthy unemployment rate, but it's not so low that it dissuades businesses from growing further. And we've really seen that here in our community,' said Blake Benson, Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce president. Benson says following the COVID pandemic, unemployment in Kansas was historically low. He feels the 2024 numbers represent a return to normal. 'Balanced growth from our manufacturing sector, from our retail sector, from our service sector to really provide a good, comprehensive, balanced approach to our growth,' said Benson. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
