Monday, May 11, 2026 | 1:00 PM CDT
Workforce systems rely on data every day—yet few have the opportunity to step back and fully understand how that data moves from the point of entry to the performance outcomes reported at the federal level.
Every WIOA outcome begins with information captured in local case management systems. From eligibility and services to training and outcomes, this data is entered by staff across the workforce system and ultimately shaped into the Participant Individual Record Layout (PIRL). From there, it is used to calculate the federal performance indicators defined in TEGL 10-16.
But the value of this data extends well beyond federal reporting.
The same data used to calculate performance outcomes also provides a deeper understanding of who workforce systems are serving and how programs are performing. It can help answer important questions about participant characteristics, service engagement, and outcomes that are not fully captured by federal measures alone.
Why This Matters
Data collection, data integrity, and data literacy are critical at every level of the workforce system.
- For front-line staff, the data entered at the point of service becomes the foundation for performance outcomes—and the broader story of who is being served.
- For program and performance leaders, understanding how that data translates into measures allows for deeper analysis of participant populations, service strategies, and outcomes beyond required reporting.
- For executive leadership, accurate and well-understood data supports stronger decision-making and clearer communication of workforce impact.
When this data is fully understood and effectively used, it becomes a powerful tool—not just for meeting requirements, but for gaining insight into program effectiveness, participant progress, and economic mobility.
About the Session
Learning Lab 1 will provide a practical, accessible overview of the workforce data lifecycle—from case management systems to PIRL to WIOA performance outcomes.
Participants will explore:
- How data is captured and structured through PIRL
- The timing of WIOA performance indicators and how they are calculated
- How participant-level data can be used to better understand program outcomes and populations served
The session is designed to demystify performance reporting and build a shared understanding of the data that drives workforce accountability—while laying the groundwork for deeper analysis in future sessions.
Designed for the Full Workforce System
This learning lab is designed for workforce board directors, program leaders, and data and performance staff, but its value extends across the entire system.
Front-line staff, including case managers and service providers, will benefit from understanding how their role in data entry directly impacts reporting, performance, and the broader understanding of participant outcomes. Strong data at the front line leads to stronger insights, better decisions, and a more accurate representation of the work being done in communities.
Part of a Three-Part Series
This session is the first in a three-part learning lab series designed to help workforce systems move from understanding their data to using it more effectively.
- Learning Lab 1: Understanding the Data Behind WIOA Performance
- Learning Lab 2: Using Workforce Data to Monitor Program Performance
- Learning Lab 3: Turning Workforce Data into Strategy and Story
Together, these sessions will explore how workforce data can support not only compliance, but also program improvement, strategic decision-making, and communication of impact.
Aligned with Learning at Work Week
This session kicks off Learning at Work Week, led by the Campaign for Learning, which highlights the importance of workplace learning, upskilling, and continuous development.
There is no better time to invest in strengthening data literacy across your workforce system.
Join us on May 11 to build a stronger foundation for understanding and using workforce data—beyond reporting and into real insight. Register: HERE
