I’m grateful Colorado Succeeds had the opportunity to be part of the SkillsFWD initiative and test Learner and Employer Records in Colorado. It was valuable to work with and learn alongside such a strong group of partners (full list below). My biggest takeaway from this experience is that employer uptake is still the real test.
It’s clear that the case to business still needs to get a lot sharper. Most employers I speak with are not looking for a new conversation about credentials. They are trying to fill jobs, reduce hiring friction, verify skills and credentials faster, and find qualified people they might otherwise miss. The more that LERs can help address these needs inside the systems, tools, and workflows that employers already use, the stronger the value proposition becomes to businesses.
We learned a great deal through this work, and I think those lessons can help shape what comes next. There is a strong foundation here and the opportunity now is to keep building in ways that are closely tied to the decisions employers make every day. I encourage you to read more about the learnings from SkillsFWD and COFWD. Links in comments.
With gratitude to incredible partners at Colorado Workforce Development Council, Colorado Hospital Association, Colorado Community College System, Colorado Department of Higher Education, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, Workforce Boulder County, Pikes Peak Workforce Center
