Reading Definitions

1. Getting Started

Access the cluster definitions from the Regional Clusters website. From the top menu, select the dashboard you want to view (for example, Skill Clusters). When the dashboard opens, select the book icon to display the definitions.

2. Selecting a Cluster

In the next section near the top of the dashboard, locate “Occupation by Cluster” or “Industry by Cluster.” Use the dropdown menu to select the cluster you are interested in. If you are using the Industry Cluster Dashboard, you can further refine your view by selecting a subcluster.

After you make your selections, a list of relevant occupations with their corresponding Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, or a list of industries with their North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, will appear below.

3. Searching by Occupation/Industry Sector

In the section titled “Cluster by Occupation,” choose an occupation from the dropdown menu. In the Industry Cluster Dashboard, go to the section titled “Cluster by Industry” and choose an industry sector from the dropdown menu.

After you make a selection in “Cluster by Occupation,” the text below will display the cluster that the chosen occupation belongs to. In the Industry Cluster Dashboard, the table below will display the cluster and subcluster that correspond to the selected industry sector. Note that industry clusters can overlap, so an industry sector may appear in several clusters.

4. Comparing Skill/Knowledge Structures

*Applies to Skills and Knowledge Clusters only

In the “Skill/Knowledge Structure of Occupation Cluster” section, you can compare multiple clusters across skill or knowledge areas. Select the clusters of interest in the left-hand panel.

The chart in the center will display each cluster’s “signature” lines, indicating differences in skill or knowledge significance levels (as defined by O*NET). Use the color legend on the right to identify each cluster’s line.

5. Exploring Skill/Knowledge Levels in a Cluster

*Applies to Skills and Knowledge Clusters only

In the “Explore Skill/Occupation Level for Any Occupation Cluster” section, select a cluster using the dropdown menu. A bar chart will appear showing skills or knowledge areas ranked by their significance values, with the most significant at the top and the least significant at the bottom.