Why do ALMP returns differ across Indigenous groups? Testing credential portability and employer endorsement as missing mechanisms

This project triangulates three sources of evidence to understand employer-side mechanisms behind heterogeneous ALMP returns for Indigenous groups: (i) an audit study sending matched resumes with ALMP credentials varying in portability (local vs. national recognition) and employer co-endorsement (training co-designed by employers vs. generic), (ii) network analysis of employer–provider partnerships to quantify program embeddedness in local hiring networks, and (iii) administrative ALMP data linking credential features to earnings and employment. Drawing contrasts with Indonesia’s JKP and US IT place-based training, which emphasize employer collaboration and job placement supports, the innovation is treating credential portability and employer endorsement as first-order treatment arms of ALMPs and measuring them causally through field experiments and administrative linkages. If these factors explain substantial heterogeneity, programs could be redesigned around co-signed credentials and guaranteed interviews, especially for groups facing institutional barriers, moving the literature from documenting heterogeneity to engineering equity.

References:

1. Heterogeneous Returns to Active Labour Market Programs for Indigenous Populations. D. Feir, Kelly Foley, Maggie E. C. Jones (2022). Social Science Research Network.
2. Can Anyone Learn to Code? A Qualitative Study of Place-Based Information Technology Training Programs. Kathleen Bolter, Nicholas Martens (2024). Economic development quarterly.
3. Indonesia’s Job Loss Insurance Program (JKP): Evaluating Challenges and Opportunities for Worker Welfare and Market Integration. Muhyiddin, Andy Fefta Wijaya, Fadillah Putra, Wike (2024). The Journal of Indonesia Sustainable Development Planning.