Employer Engagement for a Skills-First Future

Episode 61 features Isaac Agbeshie-Noye from the SHRM Foundation, discussing the Skills First Future initiative and its role in helping employers adopt skills-driven practices and expand nationwide opportunities through Learning and Employment Records (LERs). The conversation explores common myths surrounding skills-first hiring, the challenges employers encounter, and strategies to overcome them.

Isaac highlights key tools available at SkillsFirstFuture.org, including the Skills Action Planner and SHRM’s new specialty credential. The episode provides practical insights for HR professionals and their collaborations with educators and workforce leaders aiming to build a high-performing talent ecosystem. Listeners will discover how small adjustments can lead to significant outcomes and why the shift toward skills-first hiring is gaining momentum across various industries.