It seems to have always been hard to explain what you’re truly capable of on a resume. And, it seems to have always been equally as hard for businesses to explain what skills they need for the jobs they have. But that’s changing — and the pace of change is happening fast. Few have gotten in front of it with an eye on what’s next for the American workforce, but we can safely place one organization on the precipice of industry shifting innovation.
This month, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s T3 Innovation Network (T3 Network) held its annual Mid-Year Meeting in conjunction with the 2024 Badge Summit in Boulder, Colorado. This year’s event marked a significant milestone where months of research and meticulous planning has manifested into tangible results with testing coming to life, alongside implementation. The T3 Network represents an innovative merger of disciplines, initiatives, and projects aimed at transforming how we approach learning and employment in today’s digital age.
While much of the conversation during both events centered on skills, credentials, jobs, hiring, and positive outcomes for learners and workers, it’s worth pointing to a few key highlights from the Mid-Year Meeting.
Introducing the T3 Network LER Toolkit
A major development introduced at this year’s meeting was the Learning and Employment Record (LER) Toolkit. This web-based resource is designed to support digital credentials and LERs as Verifiable Credentials for skills-based hiring practices. The toolkit includes an implementation guide, glossary, FAQ section, and other actionable resources that assist employers, education partners, and technology providers in implementing LER and skills-based hiring and advancement projects. Developed through months-long community collaboration efforts, this toolkit simplifies implementation processes for individuals and organizations alike.
Creating the Toolkit is one thing, but getting buy-in, adoption, and implementation is another. During a panel discussion on just that, speakers noted key considerations as we move forward with these resources. The importance of upfront planning cannot be overstated when it comes to inclusive economic development projects. The LER Toolkit aims to eliminate barriers while providing high-quality guidance for these initiatives. It was noted that by tapping into expertise from across the broad spectrum of the T3 Network community—and encouraging experts to contribute their knowledge back—this collaborative approach ensures that innovation continues through grassroots efforts that sustain momentum.
Recommendations for creating a successful LER Toolkit that encourages access to credentialing resources also included the need for contributions from a wide range of perspectives, clear communication during projects, and the ability to filter relevant questions and resources based on specific project needs. It was clear, the goal with these resources should always be seamless education and workforce development.
Addressing the Needs of Learners, Workers, and Employers
Systems change and transformational solutions don’t occur with resources alone. The Mid-Year Meeting also included a panel of education and workforce experts that discussed how to address closing the skills gap in education through micro-credentialing and work-based learning initiatives. They emphasized the need for a common language and framework for skills assessment, and policy changes that shape managing pipelines of talent.
Panel experts highlighted the need for increased work-based learning models and the importance of transparent pathways for learners. In addition, the necessity for a holistic approach to skills development and the potential of no-cost access to technical skills through various platforms. Connecting every area of education and workforce development is key in representing all forms of learning and skills.
Previewing a Vision for the Future
Looking ahead at what’s next for the network involves key projects like Experience You, LER-RS (Learning & Employment Record Resume Standard), and LinkedClaims, which have been developed over six years within the T3 Network. These projects showcase how combined resources can powerfully impact learning experiences based on past achievements. Additionally intriguing is exploring how combining LER technology with financial technology could lead to Skill Savings Accounts (SSAs). This is the next “big idea” underway at the U.S. Chamber Foundation. Modeled after healthcare savings accounts principles, SSAs would provide individuals with a personalized platform for lifelong learning and help finance the acquisition of skills.
Taylor Hansen, executive director of policy and programs at the U.S. Chamber Foundation, underscored the significance of leveraging the resources, tools, and artificial intelligence (AI) to generate meaningful skills-based learning from past experiences.
Through all the technological advancements that occur within the T3 Network, the central focus is simple — people. It’s helping employers find people and helping people find opportunity. This vast network of individuals and organizations coming together for this common goal has always been at the core of the work. Now, we’re fortunate to see all the work come together in an impactful way.
Learn more about the T3 Network and other U.S. Chamber Foundation workforce programs and initiatives.
About the authors
Joseph Davis
Joseph Davis is communications director at the U.S. Chamber Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
