Across the nation, we are seeing more investments in skills-based hiring and quality non-degree credentials. This includes the passage of Workforce Pell, which National Skills Coalition, Business Leaders United for Workforce Partnerships (BLU), and its partners long advocated for. Policymakers and skills advocates are working to ensure that these efforts lead to strong outcomes, but the business perspective is often overlooked.
To fill a gap in existing research, Business Leaders United for Workforce Partnerships (BLU) interviewed 75 small to medium-sized businesses across the manufacturing and construction industries. We now have data that says the current system is not always working as intended. Throughout the report you’ll find:
This research makes the case for engaging employers when creating public policy and can help policymakers understand what small businesses need to effectively adopt hiring practices that identify the skills they need and the credentials aligned with them. It can also help workforce leaders advocate for public policies that support stronger relationships between education and workforce providers and small businesses.
