Markle Foundation Initiative, Skillful, Is Going Coast-to-Coast
Skillful has helped Colorado employers discover the value of workers without college degrees and now more states are joining in this effort to transform hiring practices and workforce development.
The initiative, which was launched in 2016 by the Markle Foundation, has expanded to 19 more states through the Skillful State Network.
“Millions of Americans need to get connected to the skills and the jobs of our fast-changing digital economy,” said Zoe Baird, Markle Foundation CEO and President. “Forming the Skillful State Network is a way to share our approach, tools, and assets quickly. It also allows all of us to build on the great work being done in these states.”
The national unemployment rate is at a record low and employers report that they cannot source enough talented workers. This is leading to labor shortages in critical industries like tech, healthcare and construction and limiting economic growth. Skillful seeks to reframe hiring practices so employers can identify workers with the skills, but not the degree or experience, to get the job done...