FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Evan Haddad
Public Information Officer
ehaddad@goed.nv.gov 775.684.9973
December 2, 2025
CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) has presented a second academic paper on its Individual Career Mapping (ICM) methodology, building on the agency’s theoretical framework and documenting real-world implementation of the program.
Earlier this month, GOED’s Senior Workforce Librarian-in-Residence Tammy Westergard presented, “From Theory to Implementation: Public Libraries Embedding Labor Market Literacy Tools into Workforce Systems” during the 18th Annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI) in Seville, Spain.
The paper adds to GOED’s existing research on ICM, a system that integrates labor market literacy, virtual reality field trips, and skills assessments within public libraries, schools, and re-entry programs. The new research confirms that the VR field trips give a realistic look at jobs, especially in mining and manufacturing, while the accompanying Career Readiness Assessment pinpoints skill strengths and gaps. In tandem, these tools help people understand jobs and what to work on next.
“As the world races to integrate artificial intelligence into every corner of learning and work, Nevada’s experience keeps reminding us of one essential truth: transformation still happens human-to-human,” said Westergard. “The Individual Career Mapping model only works because of the people behind it, our librarians, career navigators, and community partners who walk beside learners, ask the right questions, and help them interpret what AI and labor-market tools can’t.”
ICM has grown steadily since its launch in 2024, providing more Nevadans with the tools they need to navigate a dynamic economy. The program is currently serving 104 participants and has 10 new cohorts slated for 2026. The initiative is on track for major statewide expansion, effectively doubling its reach across libraries, courts, corrections, veterans’ services, K–12 districts, and community organizations.
Westergard presented GOED’s first paper on the topic at the 2024 ICERI event. GOED’s participation not only elevates Nevada’s profile as a model for labor market literacy and workforce innovation, but strengthens partnerships with global educators, researchers, and policymakers dedicated to creating more resilient, inclusive pathways.
ICERI, which is organized by the International Academy of Technology, Education and Development, is one of Europe’s largest and most respected education conferences, bringing together more than 900 participants from around the world to share best practices and innovations in teaching, learning, and workforce development.
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About the Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and the Governor’s Office to restructure economic development in the state. GOED’s role is to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy in Nevada, to stimulate business expansion and retention, encourage entrepreneurial enterprises, attract new businesses and facilitate community development.