In repeated discussions with HR officials who have been struggling to fill positions in a tight workforce, many have pointed to the idea that there’s a wealth of available talent, when the need for a formal college credential has been dropped.

In fact, over the last two years, more than 20 state governments have passed legislation or taken executive action on skills-first hiring practices, removing degree requirements and college degree screens from public-sector jobs. Still, despite these changes, public-sector hiring trends still tend to prioritize degrees.

That’s why five states – Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut and Louisiana – joined forces to build upon this concept with a first-of-its-kind cohort led by the social enterprise Opportunity@Work. 

Dubbed “Transformers in the Public Sector”, this effort will “help state agencies break down barriers for workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) rather than a bachelor’s degree,” according to a late October release announcing its formation. The states will collaborate and receive targeted support over the next 12 months to refine and implement these efforts.

In addition, the initiative, will also include technical assistance support provided by The Volcker Alliance, “Formal degree requirements have severely narrowed the funnel of skilled workers into open government roles,” Volcker Alliance President Sara Mogulescu told us. “States participating in this reform cohort will implement recruitment strategies that tap into the talent and deep experience of STARS and pave the way for other states to do the same.”

Many potential government employees will benefit from this approach. According to Byron Auguste, CEO of Opportunity@Work, typically half of a state’s workforce will now see the doors opened to work with state government.

As he was quoted as saying, “It’s a win-win with wide support across partisan lines. By learning to value skills acquired by any route, states engaged in this work can become more agile, ‘skills-first’ employers of choice and build an economy that works for STARs and emerging industries.”

According to the release, “Transformers in the Public Sector is the inaugural cohort of the STARs Public Sector Hub, a non-profit, non-partisan digital resource hub and learning community for government leaders interested in skills-first talent strategies and powered through partnership. The Hub is part of Opportunity@Work’s ongoing mission to rewire the U.S. labor market, enabling at least 1 million more working adults in America to translate their learning into earning over the next decade – generating a $20 billion boost in annual earnings.”

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