by Mitch Coppes, Government Relations Senior Specialist, Goodwill Industries International
The House Education and Labor Committee recently held a hearing titled “Competencies Over Degrees: Transitioning to a Skills-Based Economy” that examined how federal policies could help facilitate skills-focused education and hiring. In her opening statement, Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) argued for building up alternative pathways for learning and skills attainment, as well as prioritizing skills-based hiring across industry sectors and occupations. “If a worker has the skills and competencies to do the job, it should not matter how or where they obtained those skills,” said Foxx. “By allowing all learning to be considered on a level playing field, we can unlock the potential of the millions of Americans who have gained skills through alternate routes.” Expert witnesses appeared before the committee to discuss a range of best practices and strategies for advancing skills-based hiring and career advancement, which include removing degree requirements for many in-demand jobs, expanding apprenticeship programs, and utilizing skills assessments.
Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) noted that workforce policies should also be updated to better address the needs of job seekers and career advancers facing barriers to employment, such as increasing access to holistic support services and providing reentry services for justice-involved individuals. “I am encouraged by the bipartisan enthusiasm for skills-based hiring,” said Scott. “And I appreciate the Chairwoman’s interest in exploring how programs in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) can do a better job of ensuring equitable employment outcomes for those with barriers to employment.” He also urged the committee to move forward on other policy efforts to promote skills-based pathways to good jobs, which include updating the National Apprenticeship Act and expanding Pell Grant eligibility to learners enrolled in short-term training programs.
The committee held a separate hearing in May to begin discussing ways to improve the workforce system through WIOA reauthorization. In that hearing, the Goodwill Excel Centers received a positive mention as a successful model for delivering adult education that prepares individuals to earn a high school diploma, as well as an industry certification. Goodwill Industries International has provided policy recommendations to help inform the efforts underway in Congress to update WIOA, and we will continue to work with policymakers to advance bipartisan solutions for strengthening the nation’s workforce system.
