In today's rapidly evolving job market, community colleges are at the forefront of bridging the skills gap and enhancing economic mobility. The “Community College Skills-Based Hiring Playbook” from ACCT and Opportunity@Work is a resource for these institutions. This playbook is designed to assist community colleges, state and local government agencies, and employers in creating and enhancing pathways for individuals Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs).
Community colleges serve not only as a bridge for students on pathways to careers, but also as a bridge for employers to reach new recruits. With the growing incentive for skills-based hiring, many states and employers are looking for opportunities to establish these practices and identify partners to make it actionable. Employers do not have to look too far for partners in making skills-based hiring feasible. The new resources from ACCT and Opportunity@Work present guidance and insights from ACCT Skills-Based Hiring Initiative.
Why Skills-Based Hiring?
Skills-based hiring represents a transformative approach in workforce development. By emphasizing the specific skills required for job roles, rather than traditional degree requirements, this method opens opportunities for millions of STARs. These individuals, who gain valuable skills through community colleges, military service, and on-the-job training rather than a bachelor’s degree, are vital to addressing labor shortages and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Strategic Implementation of the Playbook
The "Community College Skills-Based Hiring Playbook" is a comprehensive guide for community colleges aiming to implement or enhance skills-based hiring practices. By prioritizing skills over degrees, employers in partnership with community colleges can unlock opportunities for STARs and contribute to building a more equitable and resilient workforce. This playbook provides actionable strategies and information to help institutions foster meaningful career pathways and support economic development.
- Building Foundational Knowledge
The playbook begins with a detailed exploration of who STARs are and the benefits of adopting a skills-based hiring approach. STARs are individuals that are skilled through alternative routes, rather than a bachelor’s degree. Individuals developing valuable skills through a community college or other alternative routes are STARs. This foundational knowledge is essential for community colleges and their partners to understand the broader landscape and the potential impact of these practices. - Establishing Key Relationships
Forming strong partnerships with public sector entities is crucial. The playbook offers guidance on identifying champions within government agencies who support skills-based hiring. Initial kick-off meetings are recommended to align goals and establish a collaborative framework. - Conducting Skills Analysis
A thorough analysis of job descriptions to identify necessary skills is a critical component. The playbook introduces tools like Opportunity@Work’s STARSight to assist in differentiating between occupational and foundational skills. This analysis ensures that training programs are effectively tailored to meet employer needs. - Implementation of New Hiring Strategies
Leveraging existing relationships and labor market information, community colleges can support state hiring requirements. The playbook emphasizes planning for new hiring processes and highlights the importance of showcasing successful outcomes to build momentum and support.
A Case Study of Maryland
In 2022, Maryland became the first state to remove degree requirements from state positions, thereby opening over 19,000 jobs to more than 1.3 million STARs. This initiative inspired ACCT, with funding from Lumina Foundation, to launch the Skills-Based Hiring Initiative in 2023. The initiative aimed to increase the effectiveness of skills-based hiring through a pilot program in Maryland, partnering with Opportunity@Work, the State of Maryland, and four community colleges: Carroll Community College, Community College of Baltimore County, Frederick Community College, and Howard Community College. “Charting New Career Pathways: Partnering with Community Colleges in Maryland on Skills-Based Hiring” highlights lessons learned, challenges, and recommendations from ACCT’s Skills-Based Hiring Initiative.
Lessons Learned
The Maryland pilot program produced valuable insights and recommendations for institutions and organizations looking to implement skills-based hiring. Here are some key lessons:
- Early Engagement with Employers: Engaging employers and hiring managers early in the process to identify required skills ensures that training programs are relevant and effective.
- Training Hiring Managers: Transitioning to a skills-based hiring approach necessitates training for hiring managers to assess candidates’ skills accurately. Consistent evaluation tools and techniques are essential.
- The Importance of Partnerships: Building and maintaining strong partnerships with government agencies and community colleges is crucial. Identifying champions within these organizations can drive the initiative and ensure alignment with skills-based hiring objectives.
- Support for New Hires: Continuous support and professional development during the initial employment period, particularly in high-turnover positions like correctional officers, can significantly improve retention. Community colleges can play a key role in offering these courses.
For more information and to access the full playbook and case study, visit the ACCT’s Skills-Based Hiring Initiative at https://acct.org/skills-based-hiring.
Sean Robins is the Policy Associate at the Association of Community College Trustees leading the Skills-Based Hiring Initiative to demonstrate the effectiveness of skills-based hiring by designing and/or enhancing existing training programs at four community colleges in Maryland around the essential skills most needed for specific occupations, creating a pipeline of skilled and career-ready job candidates for open roles.
