As we enter the third year of the coronavirus pandemic, it is clear that employers across multiple economic sectors remain challenged due to the lack of a skilled labor pool to fill the existing skills gaps. Skills-based hiring offers the opportunity to confront degree inflation, expand talent pipelines and support economic growth in the face of systemic social inequities. It evaluates employees and new hires based on their skillsets instead of their work histories and/or education credentials exclusively. However, successful implementation of skills-based hiring requires a multipronged approach from employers, individuals, education and training providers and policymakers. Attendees learned how skills-based hiring can advance a career preparation ecosystem that focuses on skills and competencies, expands the diversity of candidate pools and values non-degree education and training programs. Speakers provided practical information on what it takes to launch and scale state-wide skill-based hiring initiatives.

This webinar is part of an ongoing series that focuses on practical examples of the Without Limits: A Shared Vision for the Future of Career Technical Education (CTE Without Limits) principles and action steps in order to support CTE leaders in implementation. Principle 4, Each Learner’s Skills are Counted, Valued and Portable, instructs us to expand skills-based hiring practices that value competencies.

Speakers:
-Candace Williams, Senior Policy Associate, Advance CTE
-H.L. Baird, Statewide Work-Based Learning Liaison, OK CareerTech
-Jacob Vigil, Senior Manager, Employer Initiatives, Markle Foundation
-Mary Wright, Manager, Apprenticeship, SHRM Foundation

Resources:

• SHRM Foundation slides on Alternative Credentials
• ReWork America’s State Network website
• OKCareerTech Work-based Learning website
• Advance CTE’s Shifting the Skills Conversation