Ensuring that America’s workers have access to training programs and certifications in high-demand skill areas is a critical part of adapting to emerging and changing industries. These programs and certifications must be designed to provide the maximum benefit and flexibility to workers, and to assist employers searching for workers. Federal policy and funding has been divided on the best approach to skills certification programs over the past two decades, leading to duplicative certification programs being developed across the country that do not always provide workers or employers with a portable, industry-recognized certification.
Senator Russ Feingold is introducing the Skills Standards Certification Evaluation Act of 2008 to help create a consistent and effective federal policy. This bill will require an evaluation of existing programs developed with federal funding by the Secretaries of Labor and Commerce, as well as recommendations from both Departments for future federal programs and funding.
Evaluation of Existing Certifications
The evaluation of these programs, with the Secretaries’ recommendations, will help Congress move forward to develop the most effective skills standards policy. It will also provide a valuable resource for those local and state governments and organizations that provide workforce training, allowing them to easily access existing certification programs, rather than developing duplicative programs from scratch. In addition, the evaluation may reveal some areas or industries that are sorely lacking any skills standards, allowing the federal government to focus resources in these areas.
The evaluation will be based on the following criteria:
- The overall usefulness for workers and employers, including the demand for the skills certified.
- The level of consultation with and involvement of industry in developing the training and certification, as well as the level of recognition of the certificate industry-wide.
- The success of the program, including how many individuals have enrolled in and completed the program, as well as ongoing employment.
- The number of states in which the program is used or recognized, and the portability the certificate offers to workers.
- The ease with which the curriculum and program can be shared between administrators, including consideration of any special equipment needed.
Value of Skills Standards
As our economy changes, and industries like manufacturing become increasingly high-tech, it is critical that we provide workers with shorter, specialized learning. Emerging and changing industries demand workers with specialized skills, but often struggle to find qualified workers. By providing shorter, specialized training, we allow workers to gain skills for employment quickly. For many workers, these programs provide a clear path to an industry or job where they are more likely to earn family-supporting wages and benefits.