The Division of International Technical Cooperation (ITC) of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) strengthens statistical development around the world through technical cooperation, seminars, and customized training programs. For over 65 years, BLS has assisted statistical organizations throughout the world in the collection, processing, analysis, dissemination, and use of labor statistics. Fees are charged for seminars, customized training programs, and consultants. Short-term international visitors are welcome at BLS.
Overview of BLS International Technical Cooperation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is one of the largest labor statistics organizations in
the world and has provided international training since 1945. Each year, the BLS conducts seminars
of 1 to 2 weeks duration at its training facilities in Washington, D.C. In addition to the annual international seminars,
the Division of International Technical Cooperation organizes visits to the BLS for many international
visitors each year.
The seminars bring together statisticians, economists, analysts, and other data users
from countries all over the world. Each seminar is designed to strengthen the
participants' ability to collect and analyze economic and labor statistics. Each seminar
includes lectures, discussions, and workshops.
In addition to the scheduled seminars, customized programs in labor statistics may be arranged.
Customized programs can be scheduled between seminars, for participants attending more than one program,
or at any other time of the year, subject to the availability of BLS experts.
The language of instruction for both seminars and customized programs is English, and a reading knowledge of English is desirable. If necessary, simultaneous
interpretation services may be arranged at an additional cost.
In addition to its Washington-based training, BLS may conduct seminars overseas on request. Such seminars can be held either for a
single country or for several countries in the same region. BLS also makes available technical experts to serve
overseas, at the request of individual governments or international organizations.
International Training and Technical Cooperation in Labor Statistics, 2012 (PDF)
For additional information about any
of the BLS international seminars or training programs, please contact:
Jessica Sincavage Nicholson, Chief
Division of International Technical Cooperation
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Room 2190
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20212-0001
Telephone: (202) 691-5666
Fax: (202) 691-7900
E-Mail: Contact us
Seminars
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) international training seminar descriptions include the seminar dates, cost, target audience, objectives, and program overview.
The application deadline for scheduled seminars is one month prior to the start date of the seminar. If the application deadline has passed and you would like to attend, please contact us to inquire about late registration.
Scheduled 2012 Seminars
- Survey Methods
April 30 - May 4, 2012 ($2,000)
- Economic Indicators
May 7 - 18, 2012 ($3,800)
- Measuring Productivity
June 11 - 15, 2012 ($2,000)
- Constructing Consumer Price Indexes
June 18 - 22, 2012 ($2,000)
- Constructing Producer Price Indexes and Import and Export Price Indexes
June 25 - 29, 2012 ($2,000)
- Projecting Tomorrow's Workforce Needs
July 9 - 13, 2012 ($2,000)
- Labor Market Information
September 17 - 28, 2012 ($3,800)
- Presenting Economic Data and Information
November 5 - 9, 2012 ($2,000)
Customized seminars at BLS
In addition to scheduled seminars, the Bureau of Labor Statistics may arrange customized seminars upon request on any topic related to labor statistics for individual participants or groups. Such programs may range in duration from a few days to one or two weeks. The content of each program is individually designed to meet the needs of the participant(s) and may include attendance at selected seminar sessions and consultations with subject matter specialists.
Customized programs also may be arranged for the periods before or after a scheduled seminar for participants enrolled in the seminar program. The cost of each program depends upon the duration of the program and any additional administrative costs incurred.
Examples of Customized Seminars, Scheduled Upon Request
- Data Dissemination
- Wages, Earnings, and Benefits Statistics
- Occupational Safety and Health Statistics
- Managing Statistical Programs
- Technology and Survey Processing
Applying
All trainees must complete a Training Application and a Training Payment Agreement to attend a seminar. Both forms are required to secure a space in the seminar. The financial sponsor must complete, sign, and return the Training Payment Agreement to BLS to finalize enrollment.
Training Applications and Training Payment Agreements may be completed online or sent by letter, fax, or e-mail to:
Jessica Sincavage Nicholson, Chief
Division of International Technical Cooperation
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Room 2190
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20212-0001
Telephone: (202) 691-5666
Fax: (202) 691-7900
E-Mail: Contact us
All inquiries must include a complete mailing address and, if possible, telephone and fax numbers, and an e-mail address.
Payment
Payment for tuition, in U.S. dollars, is due before the trainee's arrival at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Payment may be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) or credit card. BLS accepts MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover. Please contact us for EFT information. BLS will only accept payment by check from a U.S. chartered bank. Tuition does not include the allowances necessary for housing, meals, local transportation, and medical insurance. Do not include money in tuition payments to BLS that should be paid directly to the trainee for such allowances.
Overseas seminars
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics may hold overseas seminars on selected topics in labor statistics for participants from a particular country or region. Most overseas seminars are from one to two weeks in duration.
The cost of overseas seminars depends upon the number of instructors required and the duration of the seminar. An overseas seminar may be cost-effective where a number of participants from one country or region need training in the same subject area. Because of the lead-time that is required to plan an overseas seminar, requests for such programs should be submitted to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at least four months in advance of the desired starting date.
To request an overseas seminar, please submit an online inquiry.
BLS also makes available technical experts to serve as consultants. The cost of these services includes the expert's salary and benefits for the duration of the consultation, airfare, lodging, meals, and other expenses, as well as an administrative fee. Requests for technical experts should include a clear statement of the purpose of the consultation.
To request a consultation, please submit an online inquiry.
International Visitors
The Division of International Technical Cooperation organizes meetings at BLS for many international visitors each year. Visits are arranged for individuals, as well as for groups of all sizes. Visitors include economists, statisticians, researchers, analysts, managers, academics, trade union representatives, business leaders, and journalists. If you are interested in a longer visit, please see the information on Customized Seminars .
Meetings are conducted in English. Non-English speaking visitors must bring their own interpreter. Every visit is unique and is organized to meet the needs and interests of the visitor(s). Please contact us for information on cost.
How to request a visit
Requests for visits to BLS should be made as far in advance as possible, and
include the following information:
- Preferred dates and time of visit to the BLS;
- Number of participants and their names;
- Names of interpreters, when applicable;
- Topic(s) of interest (as detailed as possible);
- Mention of any previous visits;
Please send requests for visits by email, telephone, fax, or letter to:
Jessica Sincavage Nicholson, Chief
Division of International Technical Cooperation
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Room 2190
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20212-0001
Telephone: (202) 691-5666
Fax: (202) 691-7900
E-mail: Contact us
Security procedures
Everyone is required to enter the Bureau of Labor Statistics through the First Street,
NE entrance (between Massachusetts Avenue and G Street, NE) across from Union
Station. Everyone is required to show photo identification, such as a passport, to gain
entry into BLS. After verification, visitors will be screened with
X-ray and metal detection equipment.
For additional information about visiting the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), or for
information about international training seminars or programs, please contact:
Jessica Sincavage Nicholson, Chief
Division of International Technical Cooperation
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Suite 2190
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20212-0001
Telephone number: (202) 691-5666
Fax number: (202) 691-7900
E-mail: Contact us