Lightcast

11/13/2026

“We’re crude, we’re rude, and we’re not right in the head - but when we start doing stuff, it’s awesome.” :)

Eric calls sheet-metal workers the land of misfit toys. At 55, he works alongside people young enough to be his children. On the job, though, the age difference matters far less than the work they accomplish together.

His story offers a funny, honest look at brotherhood in the skilled trades: https://lightcast.io/resources/blog/skilled-trades-stories-eric

11/13/2026

If we're going to track AI workforce trends, the updates have to come frequently because the landscape is changing at breakneck speed.

That's what our Elena Magrini writes about in her new blog entry, along with giving updates on those exact trends -- like skills demanded for junior vs. senior AI roles in 2026. https://lightcast.io/resources/blog/tracking-ai-workforce-trends-october-2026-update

11/12/2026

If you're a US Electrician, you may consider moving to Illinois. That's where you'll make the highest hourly wage in the US.

Plus, we plotted the top skills needed for this *shockingly* in-demand profession.
https://lightcast.io/resources/blog/electricians-salaries

11/12/2026

When demand for skilled workers outpaces supply, wages tell a story.

During the construction labor crunch of 2021–2022, employers offered significantly higher pay to meet urgent project deadlines. As workforce shortages continue to build, compensation will remain a critical signal of unmet demand.

In this clip, Lightcast Principal Economist Ron Hetrick explains how supply and demand shape wages—and why the pressure on skilled trades compensation may continue to grow.

What happens when employers need workers—and they can’t find enough...

11/12/2026

Skills are the base unit of the labor market and connective tissue between work, learning and people. But what does that actually mean? In 2027, our new research will have the answers.

It’s one thing to hear that skills can transform the way you understand work. It’s another to see what they can actually do.

“Skills-Powered Economies” is coming in January. Sign up today to get it first. https://lightcast.io/skills-powered-economies-alert-list

11/11/2026

On Veterans Day, Brian Murphy’s story is a reminder of the skill, persistence, and commitment veterans bring to civilian work.

Brian served in the US Navy and went on to build a career in HVAC-R. Military service repeatedly delayed his plan to start a business, but he kept working toward it. Today, he owns Arctic Chill in Michigan, where he puts decades of trade experience to work—and trains the next generation.

His path connects to a much larger opportunity. About 200,000 service members transition to civilian life each year. BLS data shows that roughly 15% of employed veterans work in the skilled trades. (specifically in natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations)

Applying that share to annual transitions suggests a potential pathway of about 30,000 people a year into these fields.

Veterans bring valuable experience to the skilled trades. Brian’s story shows what can grow from that experience: a lasting career, a business, and a contribution to the next generation of workers.

Read Brian’s story: https://lightcast.io/resources/blog/skilled-trades-stories-brian

This Veterans Day, we honor Brian and all who have served.

11/10/2026

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters help demolish structures and move earth and rock. What do they earn doing this highly dangerous work??

The job calls for careful site assessment, close attention to safety, precise timing, and specialized handling and record-keeping.

It’s a vivid example of the range of work across the skilled trades. These roles draw on specialized training and hands-on expertise to keep essential projects moving—and they deserve a closer look.

See what the data shows about pay, age, and employer-demanded skills: https://lightcast.io/resources/blog/skilled-trades-explosives-workers-salaries

11/10/2026

The labor market is changing fast. Are we measuring it in the right way?

Elena Magrini, our head of global research, discusses this topic with Jeff Selingo.

Fact is ---- today’s complex workforce challenges require more than a single data point or a one-size-fits-all benchmark. Leaders need to monitor trends more frequently, choose the right measures, and bring together multiple data sources to see the bigger picture.

Because the goal of labor market intelligence isn’t to predict the future with perfect accuracy. It’s to provide insights based on data and expertise, so leaders can make informed decisions about what comes next.

That's what we do at Lightcast.
That's Data That Works.

11/09/2026

Job titles keep changing. So do job postings and profiles. The challenge is finding the signal beneath all that noise.

Lightcast VP of Product and Data Strategy, John Pernsteiner, discusses how we use AI throughout our data process, with human expertise guiding the definitions and decisions that make the data useful and trustworthy.

Watch the video to hear how the two work together.
Then go here to learn more about our data: https://lightcast.io/our-data

11/09/2026

Public sector leaders make choices about where to focus resources and how to connect people with opportunity.

Good labor market intelligence can help show what employers need, where workers may find new pathways, and which investments can support a stronger local workforce.

Good data helps you figure out what to do next.
That’s Data That Works.

Lightcast.