The Beacon: September 2024

Celebrating the Social and Economic Achievements of American Workers: Hiring for Skills and the Power of Small Businesses

As we navigate through an ever-evolving economic landscape, it’s essential to take a moment to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers. These accomplishments reflect the resilience, innovation, and dedication that have driven the American workforce to new heights. In particular, the focus on hiring for skills and the success of small businesses illustrate the dynamic and transformative nature of our economy.

The Power of Skills-Based Hiring

One of the most significant shifts in the modern job market is the increasing emphasis on skills-based hiring. Traditionally, hiring decisions often hinged on formal qualifications and educational credentials. However, today’s employers are increasingly recognizing that specific skills and practical experience are more indicative of a candidate’s potential than a diploma alone. This shift has profound implications for both workers and businesses.

For workers, this change opens up opportunities for those who may not have followed a traditional educational path but possess valuable, job-specific skills. It democratizes the hiring process, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to showcase their talents and secure roles based on their abilities rather than their academic history. This approach not only broadens the talent pool but also helps bridge the gap between education, military service and employment.

For businesses, hiring based on skills rather than degrees ensures they get the most competent and capable individuals for their roles. It also allows companies to tap into a wider range of perspectives and problem-solving approaches, fostering a more innovative and adaptable workforce. As a result, businesses are better equipped to meet the demands of a fast-paced and competitive market.

The Vital Role of Small Businesses

Small businesses play a crucial role in the American economy, contributing to job creation, community development, and economic diversity. These enterprises, which range from local coffee shops to tech startups, are often the backbone of their communities. They provide essential goods and services, drive innovation, and offer personalized customer experiences that larger corporations have forgotten how to do and struggle to replicate.

Celebrating the achievements of small businesses means acknowledging their role in economic growth and social cohesion. Small businesses often lead the way in adopting new technologies, supporting local causes, and creating jobs that are closely tied to the communities they serve. They also frequently offer more flexible working conditions and a more personalized approach to employee development, which can be highly attractive to a diverse workforce.

Moreover, small businesses are nimble and able to adapt quickly to changes in the market. This agility allows them to respond to new trends and customer needs, often pioneering innovative practices that larger firms may eventually adopt. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and supporting small business growth, we encourage a vibrant and resilient economy that benefits everyone.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate the achievements of American workers and the critical role of small businesses, it’s important to continue supporting policies and practices that promote skills-based hiring and small business growth. This includes investing in workforce development programs, providing resources for small business owners, and fostering an inclusive job market that values diverse skills and experiences.

In doing so, we not only honor the hard work and innovation of American workers but also pave the way for a more dynamic and equitable economy. By recognizing and leveraging the strengths of our workforce and supporting the small businesses that drive local economies, we create a thriving environment where everyone can contribute to and benefit from our collective success.

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On this episode discover how Talents ASCEND??is allowing candidates to be their authentic selves while showcasing the skills they bring to a business. Skills-based hiring is revolutionizing how businesses find great candidates.?

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As we consider Labor Day, a time when we honor the contributions of American workers, it’s essential to reflect on the evolving landscape of employment. Established as a federal holiday in 1894, Labor Day was created to recognize the labor movement’s efforts and the social and economic achievements of American workers. Did you know that the first Labor Day parade took place in New York City on September 5, 1882? Thousands of workers marched from City Hall to Union Square, marking the beginning of a national tradition.

At The ASCEND Collective, we believe that this holiday is not only a moment to celebrate past achievements but also an opportunity to look forward. One of the most significant shifts in today’s job market is the move towards skills-based hiring. This approach prioritizes an individual’s capabilities and competencies over traditional qualifications such as degrees or past job titles.

Why Skills-Based Hiring Matters

Inclusivity and Diverse-ability: Skills-based hiring opens doors for individuals with diverse-abilities, veterans, and those impacted by the justice system. By focusing on what candidates can do rather than their educational background, we create a more inclusive workforce.

Uncovering Hidden Talent: Many talented individuals possess skills that are not immediately apparent through traditional resumes. Our AI-enabled Knowledge Skills Attribute (KSA) matching system in programs like Mission2 ASCEND helps identify these hidden talents and align them with suitable job opportunities.

Bridging the Skills Gap: Employers often face challenges in finding candidates with the right skills. Skills-based hiring helps bridge this gap by identifying and nurturing the exact competencies needed for specific roles, ensuring a better match between job seekers and employers.

Enhanced Job Performance and Satisfaction: When individuals are hired based on their skills, they are more likely to excel in their roles and find greater satisfaction in their work. This leads to higher productivity and lower turnover rates, benefiting both employees and organizations.

How The ASCEND Collective Supports Skills-Based Hiring

Through our various programs—Veterans ASCEND, Ability ASCEND, and Mission2 ASCEND—we are committed to promoting skills-based hiring. Our innovative approach leverages advanced AI technology to match candidates with employers based on their skills and attributes, ensuring a perfect fit for both parties.

This Labor Day, as we honor the hardworking individuals who have built our nation, let’s also celebrate the future of work. By embracing skills-based hiring, we can create a more inclusive, efficient, and dynamic workforce that truly reflects the diverse-abilities and talents of all Americans.

To learn more about our programs and how we support skills-based hiring, visit us at The ASCEND Collective.

Donate now at www.theascendcollective.org/donate or text FundTAC to 53-555.

Happy Labor Day from The ASCEND Collective!

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After working for many Fortune 500 companies in human resources, Robyn decided to use her talents to ignite Small Business America by creating?Talents ASCEND??. Learn how she is leading the charge in the skills-based hiring revolution.?

#SkillsBasedHiring #Careers #SmallBusinessOwners

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This Increase Diversity? Summit is for all who wish to navigate the complexities of inclusive language with confidence and care. However, this two-day conference would be especially beneficial to anyone who directly hires or influences hiring, including workplace leaders and executives, DEI practitioners, Recruiters (corporate and agency), Human Resource Teams, Human Resources Managers, Hiring Leaders, and Career Coaches.

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Robyn Grable, the creator and founder of the ASCEND brand and CEO of Talents ASCEND shares her stories of the triumphs and challenges of starting a business, a brand, and the FUTURE OF HIRING!

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