Skills validation fosters confidence, hones communication skills, and increases visibility. In this September 2024 report, we share the stories of three XCredit participants whose journeys illustrate the profound impact of validating durable skills earned through life and work experience.
We know that the traditional narrative of opportunity – college degree, secure job – holds true for a shrinking minority. For many New Majority Learners and STARs (those Skilled Through Alternative Routes), this path is riddled with challenges.
The high cost, inflexibility, and time commitment of a traditional college education are deterrents, and for those who do pursue this route, a degree no longer guarantees a good job. Compounding the issue is the failure to acknowledge the value of learning that occurs through real-world experiences and on-the-job training.
At the Lab, we believe there is tremendous potential for a skills-based ecosystem to help stakeholders overcome these systemic barriers. However, it’s not enough for the system to be skills- based. It must be validated-skills-based. This means that any skills gained and credentialed, and then shared with employers, must first be validated.
By fostering a system that values validated skills, we move toward a more equitable system where opportunity is based on ability, not just degrees.
The XCredit team at the Lab, along with leading partners across the skills ecosystem, have been developing a scalable and interoperable system to validate durable skills.
How? Through our XCredit platform, opportunity seekers validate their durable skills through interactive, chat-based assessments. Upon successful completion, they receive up to nine durable skills micro-credentials. Those badges can be displayed on resumes, on social media profiles, or shared directly with potential employers.
Meet Bryan, Emilee and Akachi.
Through the following stories, you’ll meet XCredit participants who, through skills validation, not only achieved visibility in the workforce but also found confidence and hope. Their journeys illustrate the profound impact of recognizing the value of work and life experiences.
This publication has been authored by Nishita Chheda, Education Designer. Nishita utilizes her expertise in community and equity- centered innovation, mixed-methods research, and service design to advance skills validation initiatives at the Lab.
