Stephanie Murphy Discusses Credentials of Value in Recent Newsletter from The Job
Our Director of State Policy and Research, Stephanie Murphy, was featured in the most recent newsletter from The Job, discussing the current landscape for states developing their short-term education and training programs.
The newsletter highlights the findings detailed in “Lessons (So Far) From Lumina Foundation’s FutureReady States Initiative,” including challenges to connect employers with programs to hire jobseekers with short-term credentials. While employers tend to participate in validating credentials and helping states determine which programs are credentials of value, little correlation has been found between firms requesting a non-degree credential and actually hiring for one.
Connecticut is ahead of the curve in building strong partnerships with employers for short-term credential development. The program allows participants to earn the skills they need in four to 24 weeks, exiting the program with an industry-recognized credential, many of which can stack toward a degree. As of late last year, 85% of graduates from Connecticut’s CareerConneCT program were already employed.
The key? Their flagship program, the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative, is almost completely employer-driven. General Dynamics Electric Boat, a large employer in the region, has hired more program graduates than any other employer.
As Stephanie notes, “It’s important to stay engaged throughout the life cycle.”