Designing a Proof of Concept for a Virtual Competence Assistant

Abstract: This paper addresses the critical gaps within public employment services (PES), with a particular focus on the deficiency in automation and AI-supported intelligent career recommendations. Notably, the advancements in this public sector's domain remain in their early stages, necessitating further exploration and development. The study sheds light on the underutilization and challenges faced in the PES sector, where scarcity of training data poses significant hurdles. Highlighting the potential of ESCO (European Skills, Competences, Qualifications, and Occupations) classification, the paper underscores its role in facilitating the alignment of occupations with specific skills through AI-driven approaches. By narrowing the training data to ESCO's research occupations and job posts collected from Estonian labor market, the paper lays down the preliminary foundation for constructing a digital career coach as a Virtual Competence Assistant (VCA). Ultimately, the envisioned proof of concept for an AI-based VCA holds the potential to revolutionize the delivery of PES services in the new era of efficiency and effectiveness.

Keywords: Public Employment Services, Virtual Competence Assistant, ESCO, Labor Market, AI.

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1004939

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