US Department of Labor announces career videos challenge

Public invited to submit job videos for chance to win $1,000

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the kickoff of the first phase of the Career Videos for America's Job Seekers Challenge, which invites members of the public to produce and submit one to three minute videos focusing on the daily activities of one of 15 high-wage and in-demand occupations. The video challenge is intended to result in greater visibility for selected occupations and increased numbers of workers seeking training and placement in these areas. The creators of the top video in each category will win a $1,000 cash prize.

"People need to know what a job looks like and what the work entails before they make the decision to switch careers or enter training that leads to a good job in a new occupation," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "We want to see what you, America's workers, are doing day in and day out. Your videos will help others who are seeking to enter the workforce or make mid-career changes."

The competition will occur in four phases. During Phase One (May 10 to June 18), members of the public, employer associations, businesses and labor organizations can submit their occupational videos for one of the 15 selected occupations. To review the list of occupations and rules for the video challenge, visit the career videos website at http://www.dol.gov/dol/videochallenge.htm.

During Phase Two (June 21 to July 9), the Labor Department will screen, review and identify the top three career videos in each occupation and post these selected videos online for public review.

During Phase Three (July 12 to Aug. 6), the public will be able to recommend and comment on the top career video in each occupational category.

During Phase Four (Aug. 9 to 19), the Labor Department will share the top career videos with the workforce development community and job seekers by posting an announcement of the top ranking videos on key web sites such as http://www.dol.gov and http://careeronestop.org. The results also will be shared with national and intergovernmental organizations such as the National Association of State Workforce Agencies and the National Association of Workforce Boards.