Inclusion by design: Strategies for engaging users in skills-based hiring

As discussions about learning and employment records (LERs) progress, it is crucial to underscore the importance of inclusive user design, particularly in the context of a skills-first movement. 

We recently hosted a webinar featuring SkillsFWD grantee Accelerate Montana (AMT) and Digital Promise for an insightful discussion about leveraging user engagement to foster equity in technology development and skills-based hiring. Jenny Harms, director of finance and operations at AMT, and Nichole Aguirre, director of pathways design for Digital Promise, shared valuable insights and real-world examples of how their missions incorporate inclusivity, specifically for communities like Indigenous and rural populations.

AMT, a dedicated partner to businesses of all sizes as well as tribal and rural communities across their state. They support inclusive economic prosperity for all Montanans by offering services tailored to fuel economic growth and opportunity. Through SkillsFWD funding, the team is piloting statewide adoption of LERs in the construction trades and technology industries. 

Digital Promise focuses on expanding opportunities for all learners, particularly those who have been historically marginalized, by addressing equity and access in education systems. Both organizations play a crucial role in advancing inclusive technology and skills-based hiring.

Center users and their needs.

This work's objective goes beyond just developing accessible products. It’s about prioritizing people and recognizing the diverse needs of users, as well as considering the viewpoints of those the technology intends to assist — ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed in the future of work. 

Thoughtful design is paramount for engaging users from marginalized communities right from the start. And understanding their unique cultural contexts is important to ensure that the systems we're developing are co-created solutions that are genuinely relevant and inclusive. This requires rethinking existing products and services to make them more accessible and culturally appropriate.

Emphasize direct engagement.

Harms and Aguirre stressed the importance of directly engaging with communities to ensure that the voices being heard are fully representative. Building and maintaining trust, understanding local needs, and incorporating diverse methods of gathering information are all crucial components in achieving our goals with LERs — equity and access in education and workforce development. 

LERs help job seekers showcase their work history and skills acquired through education, credentialing, in the workplace, and through service and life experience. Verifiable and secured according to web standards, users can curate and use them to pursue educational and employment opportunities. 

Incorporate change management best practices.

Successful adoption of LERs and skills-based hiring also requires change management, particularly in small businesses. The gradual process should start with understanding existing practices, addressing pain points, and slowly transitioning towards a skills-oriented approach — leaving room for continuous improvement based on stakeholder feedback. Partnering with vendors to modify existing platforms to better suit the needs of different communities will also help to refine products and services over time.

We’re progressing in catalyzing a future of work where everyone can thrive but still have strides to make in refining a skills-based ecosystem. Skills-based hiring creates opportunities for individuals who may not have followed traditional career paths, recognizing the value of diverse skills and experiences.