Not a single state has its career education credentials “highly aligned” with the job market, while more than 20 of the states don’t collect the data needed to tell whether they are aligned with what employers want, according to new research by ExcelinEd and Burning Glass Technologies.
Today ExcelinEd released Credentials Matter, an ongoing research partnership with Burning Glass Technologies designed to shed light on the landscape of industry credential data collection and alignment across the country. The project illustrates the credentials available in high school and highlights the outcomes of credential attainment to inform key policy decisions about which career pathways and associated credentials lead to middle and high wage employment opportunities and continued advancement for students.
Credentials Matter combines ExcelinEd’s policy expertise in college and career pathways with Burning Glass’ cutting-edge labor market analytics to provide new insights into the alignment between the credentials student earn and the demand for those credentials in the workforce.
Key findings include:
Credentials Matter is the most comprehensive examination of industry credential attainment in high school CTE programs. The findings and recommendations represent a critical first step to helping a range of stakeholders understand the current landscape of credentials earned and evaluate whether those credentials have currency in the job market. At the high school level, credentials can include assessments, certifications and government-issued licenses.
For more information on this research and to view interactive maps and data tables, visit CredentialsMatter.org. The maps and charts are also available to download in the media kit.
Credentials Matter was made possible by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York. The statements made and views expressed are solely the responsibility of the authors.