CREDENTIALS WITH VALUE IN THE LABOR MARKET

Industry-based certifications represent skills and learning that open doors and act as a springboard for higher levels of achievement to ensure students’ success. Industry-based certifications are one of the measures to demonstrate college and career readiness within Texas’ K-12 accountability system and new community college outcomes-based funding is linked to students earning credentials of value.
Pathways enable students to earn industry-based credentials that are stackable and portable, allowing them to compete in the labor market.
Degrees and credentials create on- and off-ramps for pathways that allow students to enter the workforce and pursue further education according to their interests and career goals.

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College completion rates in Texas are improving, but not quickly enough. Only 32 percent of Texas high school graduates in 2014 earned a two- or four-year college degree by 2022. This is far below what the state needs. Experts say that by 2030, 60 percent of Texans will need a certificate or degree for the state to stay competitive in the global economy.
Students need credentials valued by employers to successfully compete in the labor market.
Employers need more employees with validated skills and knowledge to address the skills gap.
Opportunities to earn credentials along the pathway allow students to enter, exit, and re-enter the pathway as their education and career goals evolve.

Students receive support to prepare for and have opportunities to earn stackable credentials that are aligned with the industry focus of pathways.
The labor market value of certifications is validated through employer input and labor market information.

Secondary and postsecondary educators embed credentials with value in the labor market in programs of study and provide students with the support needed to earn available credentials.
Employers advise educators on which credentials are of value.
Workforce development boards provide labor market information, including real-time data on in-demand credentials.
Regional conveners support coordination and collaboration among educators and employers.

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