The promise of shifting towards a skills-first system, in which learning gained anywhere can be validated, recorded, and leveraged, is tantalizing. And a big factor in the success of this approach is employers taking on the role of validating and verifying learning and experiences, essentially acting in ways similar to education providers, by confirming that employees have acquired the skills and competencies intended through training. That role, employer as verifier, is both a linchpin in enabling all learning to count and a potential barrier. This short piece offers broad insights from conversations with employers, including four general barriers — legal, alignment, financial, and competitive — and ideas for the developers and designers of learning and employment record systems.
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UpSkill America is an employer-led movement that promotes training and advancement practices to help workers progress in their careers and move into better-paying jobs. UpSkill America is an initiative of the Economic Opportunities Program.
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