Aligning Education and Employment

If we want to change how people prove their skills and find jobs, and how employers identify and advance talent, we need a system that makes skill records digital, verifiable, and easy to share.

To create a future-ready workforce system, we must move beyond outdated credentials and analog processes to one that is skills-first, transparent, data-driven, and aligned with the evolving needs of workers, educators, and employers.

Evidence of skills proficiency, supported in ways that are fraud-proof and trustworthy, are foundational to the long-term success and scaling of Skills First talent management practices. And validated skills are what employers want and need.

The question is not “Should SMBs invest in upskilling?” They must for their own continued competitiveness, for the good of their employees, and for the good of our society and economy. The question is “How should SMBs invest in upskilling?”

At UpSkill America, we are focused on helping employers design and develop education programs that leverage best practices and ensure employees have the support they need to succeed.

We share a vision for the future where data mobility has unlocked a truly agile system of work and learning, a system that reflects the changing profile of the workforce — where generations want a flexible approach to career development.

UpSkill America, an initiative of the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program, conducted the qualitative study on behalf of Western Governors University. The report describes what employers said they need to make better use of these Learning and Employment Records and makes recommendations for credential providers.