What Drives Reskilling Decisions? Evidence from a Discrete Choice Experiment with Unemployed Jobseekers

Abstract

Rapidly evolving labour markets have made reskilling of the workforce increasingly necessary. Yet, training take-up is typically low, especially among the lower skilled. In this project, we explore what factors matter the most for jobseekers when they decide whether or not to reskill, and what training program to enrol in. To do so, we will conduct a large-scale survey experiment with unemployed jobseekers in Belgium, allowing us to elicit preferences for different training features. We will then validate our measures of stated preferences with actual training choices from administrative records. Ultimately, the aim of this project is to estimate jobseekers’ WTP for different training features, and to put this into perspective with their WTP for characteristics of the occupations the trainings target. My presentation will focus on our pre-analysis plan, with the aim of collecting as much feedback as possible before we run the actual experiment (planned for November). Joint paper with Benjamine Dejardin, Alexia Delfino, Ilan Tojerow, and Raffaella Sadun.