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Unwilling to Reskill? Experimental Evidence from Real-World Jobseekers

Author

Listed:
  • Alexia Delfino
  • Andrea Garnero
  • Sergio Inferrera
  • Marco Leonardi
  • Raffaella Sadun

Abstract

We study barriers preventing jobseekers from pursuing reskilling in high-demand occupations. Using a discrete choice experiment, we quantify the demand for reskilling among Italian jobseekers in two white-collar high-demand occupations—information technology assistant and construction technician—and identify its main determinants. Willingness to pay estimates show that participants are willing to pay to reskill into IT, but would require compensation to reskill into construction. Beliefs about monetary returns and social status help explain differences in reskilling demand, but perceived identity fit in the target occupation emerges as the most important individual-level factor shaping reskilling decisions. A light-touch randomized information intervention providing data on occupational returns significantly increases both stated interest in reskilling and actual engagement in real-world training.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexia Delfino & Andrea Garnero & Sergio Inferrera & Marco Leonardi & Raffaella Sadun, 2026. "Unwilling to Reskill? Experimental Evidence from Real-World Jobseekers," NBER Working Papers 34633, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:34633
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions
    • J60 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - General

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