SkillsFWD

?? A new report from Northeastern University’s Center for the Future of Higher Education and Talent Strategy explores the role of microcredentials — like digital badges, industry certifications, and apprenticeships — in bridging the gap between traditional hiring and a skills-first approach. While many employers are investing in skills-based hiring, unfamiliarity remains a challenge. The brief considers how different company hiring elements and trainings may affect hiring manager's consideration of microcredentials, and contains examples of potential next steps. Key insights ?? 1?? Only 1 in 3 hiring managers have hired candidates with microcredentials as their sole qualification. 2?? Employers who consider microcredentials often pair them with other validation methods like portfolio reviews and testing. 3?? To make microcredentials more effective, companies must align job descriptions with verifiable skills and provide training for hiring managers. Check out the full brief below and find more skills-based hiring and LER resources in the link in the comments! https://lnkd.in/ebr89hPF #skillsbasedhiring #lers #microcredentials #digitalbadges

?? Are you looking for?tools to assist learners, employers, and educators?in transitioning to?skills-based hiring? Explore NEW resources below ?? that underscore the power of learning and employment records (LERs), digital credentials, and workforce innovation — and discover how these tools are fostering real progress in education and employment. https://lnkd.in/etFJzjWY #skillsbasedhiring #skills #lers

?Attending the Digital Credentials Summit in Phoenix? Join SkillsFWD’s Research & Discovery lead, Christi Harter, Eastern Washington University, and friend of SkillsFWD, Amanda Welsh, Northeastern University, for Catalyzing a Skills-Based Future through Learning and Employment Records — a conversation exploring what we have learned during project implementation, as well as insights from employers and the system at large about creating systems that work for all. ?? When — Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 4:40 PM-5:20 PM MT Find all the details at the link below. See you there! ?? https://lnkd.in/e9fmwrCB #DigitalCredentialsSummit #skillsbasedhiring #lers #skills #workforcedevelopment

?? A recent report from the National Governors Association highlights how skills-based hiring is transforming state and territorial government workforces. By prioritizing skills and competencies over traditional degree requirements, states are expanding talent pools, addressing workforce shortages, and fostering diversity and inclusion. Early data suggests that states implementing skills-first policies see increased job postings without degree prerequisites — making public sector roles more accessible. As hiring challenges persist, skills-based hiring is a crucial strategy for strengthening government workforces and improving public services. Check out the link below for more! ?? https://lnkd.in/gV9E47gd #skillsbasedhiring #skills #workforcedevelopment

???As young people navigate the transition from school to work, they need better ways to showcase their skills. Holly Garner, Junior Achievement USA, shares in our most recent blog how learning and employment records (LERs) are becoming the new currency of opportunity and offer verifiable, digital ways to document competencies gained through education, jobs, and life experiences. These tools empower individuals to define their value beyond traditional credentials while making hiring more skills-based and inclusive. By integrating digital wallets and badges into workforce development, organizations are creating new pathways for learners and earners to connect with employers. Check out the link below for more. ?? https://lnkd.in/eD-pakmv #lers #skillsbasedhiring #lers

?? We’re excited to share NEW metrics from our seven SkillsFWD project teams: ?? Credential records issued: 7,797,508 ?? LER learners and earners enrolled: 171,435 ?? Credential records accepted by learners and earners: 85,142 ?? Employers registered: 1,318 This momentum follows our recent blog — "The Progress and Promise of Learning and Employment Records." The number of credential records issued has increased by 4.8%, demonstrating ongoing adoption of LER systems across stakeholders. Enrollment of LER learners has grown marginally by 2.6%, indicating a need for effective learner engagement strategies. Credential records accepted by learners have nearly doubled, increasing by 72%, showing a growing trust and value perception among them. And the number of registered employers has surged dramatically by 333%, underscoring significant advancements in employer outreach and adoption. We’re thankful to our SkillsFWD grantees for their innovation! Stay tuned and check out our website for more. ?? https://lnkd.in/ekizKqYW #skills #lers #skillsbasedhiring

???Eliminating degree requirements is an important step toward equitable hiring, but it’s just the beginning. The Brookings Institution recently highlighted how creating a skills-based hiring ecosystem requires a deeper commitment to reimagining the hiring process. To transform practices, organizations must: ?? Redefine job descriptions ?? Adopt objective assessments ?? Support skill development Skills-based hiring is dependent on intention, strategy, and action. Let’s work together to create hiring systems that open doors for all talent. View the full article below for more! ?? https://lnkd.in/eKPZpnMi #skills #skillsbasedhiring #lers

?? ICYMI: Skills-based hiring continues to unlock opportunities for non-traditional candidates and improve outcomes for employers. Leaders Simone Ravaioli, Instructure, and Colin Reynolds, Education Design Lab, agree that learning and employment records (LERs) can empower individuals to showcase skills gained from diverse experiences — like studying abroad or self-taught expertise — while encouraging systemic changes to make hiring more inclusive. By placing skills at the forefront, LERs help learners and earners find meaningful roles and enable companies to uncover talent they might otherwise overlook. Visit our blog for the full article! ?? https://lnkd.in/eNijWEuE #skills #lers #skillsbasedhiring

The SkillsFWD team is grateful for the transformative milestones achieved this year. From issuing hundreds of thousands of digital credentials to empowering job seekers and supporting employers in adopting skills-based hiring — this work's positive impacts are already experienced across various industries and communities. We’re thankful for the support of our funder partners, the dedication of our innovative project teams, and the collaborative spirit of our ecosystem. Together, we are creating a more equitable future and connecting learners, earners, and employers through transformative technologies and practices. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue building on this momentum, fostering inclusive hiring, and shaping a workforce that values every individual. To everyone who made 2024 extraordinary — thank you! #skillsbasedhiring #skills #lers

???The rise of AI is revolutionizing how resumes are crafted and evaluated, making the hiring process both more efficient — and more complex. AI-generated resumes offer job seekers polished documents in seconds but overwhelm employers with indistinguishable applications. We recently sat down with?Dave Wengel, SmartResume, and Dr. Megan Workmon Larsen?from Arizona State University (ASU) for their thoughts on solutions like learning and employment records (LERs), digital tools emphasizing verified skills. Check out our latest blog for more on how integrating tools like LERs with AI advancements can foster more inclusive hiring, redefine workforce development, and build a job market that values what individuals can do over where they’ve been. ?? https://lnkd.in/db-5UcbG #skillsbasedhiring #lers #skills