There are thousands of jobs in fields like construction, transportation and utilities that need to be filled in Texas. But for many job seekers, breaking into the skilled trades can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What certifications do you need? And how do you connect with the right employers? Pflugerville Public Library is helping its patrons answer these questions by offering access to BlueCareer, an online job search platform designed specifically for skilled trades. The LDO team recently spoke with Daniel Berra, Assistant Director at Pflugerville Public Library.

A Job Search Tool Built for Libraries

BlueCareer, part of BlueRecruit, is tailored for libraries, making it easy for users to explore career paths, learn about training and certifications, and hear testimonials from professionals in different trades. Once users are ready, they can transition to BlueRecruit to apply for jobs—all without needing a resume. Instead, they fill out a skills-based profile, making them searchable to employers.

Daniel told us about how the platform provides a structured approach for job seekers at different stages:

“You get three different options,” Berra explained. “If you’re just exploring, you can take an assessment and get recommendations. If you already know what you want, you can select a career path. And if you’re experienced, you can go directly to Blue Recruit and start applying for jobs.”

Beyond job searching, BlueCareer also offers valuable insights into industries, including pay rates, company profiles, and even training opportunities. Some training programs are accessible directly through the platform, streamlining the path to a new career.

Promoting Workforce Development Through Libraries

Pflugerville Public Library has promoted BlueCareer through social media and staff guidance, ensuring patrons know about this valuable resource.

“If you guide them just a little bit, they see how much information is available,” Berra noted. “It’s a robust platform that makes it easy to explore career options.”

One of the major advantages of BlueCareer is its accessibility—patrons can use it from home just like any other e-resource with their library card. However, Berra acknowledges that funding can be a challenge for libraries interested in offering the platform. In Pflugerville, a community development corporation covers the cost, but other funding sources, such as chambers of commerce or workforce development organizations, could also help libraries provide this resource.

As more libraries expand their workforce development efforts, tools like BlueCareer offer an innovative way to support job seekers and connect them with real opportunities. Pflugerville Public Library’s experience shows that with the right resources, libraries can play a pivotal role in helping people build successful careers in the skilled trades.