Colorado is leading a transformative movement in state workforce development.
Since 2019, the State of Colorado has initiated innovative skills-based practices aimed at creating a workforce that mirrors its diverse citizenry. This progressive initiative not only addresses the hiring challenges posed by a highly competitive job market but also strategically positions the state to tackle anticipated talent shortages in the future. These proactive measures are essential for fostering an equitable and effective state government.
In 2022, Governor Polis took a significant step by issuing an executive order that officially transitions the state to a model of skills-based hiring. This groundbreaking measure underscores Colorado’s dedication to modernizing its workforce strategies. Following this, he signed two additional executive orders that further enhance work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities within state government, promoting practical experience alongside traditional education.
Together, these landmark orders demonstrate a formidable commitment to depart from conventional hiring practices that often emphasize degree credentials, paving the way for a more inclusive approach focused on assessing candidates based on the specific skills they exhibit in real-world work scenarios. To actualize this intricate organizational transformation, the state is deploying a comprehensive strategy that involves collaboration across three tiers of government, ensuring that skills-based hiring is woven into the fabric of state operations.
NGA and Opportunity@Work have prepared a detailed case study that explores valuable insights from Colorado’s efforts in this transformative journey. Click here to read the case study, and then gain a deeper understanding of Skills-Based Hiring in the Public Sector.
Skills-based hiring and advancement encompass much more than simply eliminating Bachelor’s degree prerequisites from job postings. Colorado is implementing a holistic strategy to fundamentally reshape its talent acquisition and management practices at the state, agency, and individual levels, ensuring that diverse skills and experiences are valued throughout the workforce.
**Interview with Sarah Jennings, Director of Workforce Development, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment**
**Editor:** Sarah, Colorado is making significant strides in transforming workforce development through skills-based hiring. Can you elaborate on what motivated Governor Polis to issue the executive orders for this change?
**Sarah Jennings:** Absolutely. The motivation stems from a recognition that traditional hiring practices often exclude capable individuals who may not possess a degree but have valuable skills and real-world experience. By focusing on what candidates can actually do, Colorado aims to create a workforce that truly mirrors the diversity and talent of our citizenry.
**Editor:** This shift towards skills-based hiring marks a departure from long-standing norms. How do you see this impacting the landscape of public sector employment in Colorado?
**Sarah Jennings:** We believe this will profoundly impact how we attract and retain talent. By removing degree requirements and prioritizing actual skills, we’re opening doors for a broader range of individuals—this can lead to a more innovative, effective, and equitable workforce.
**Editor:** Some critics worry that emphasizing skills over formal education could lead to potential gaps in knowledge or qualifications. How do you address these concerns?
**Sarah Jennings:** It’s a valid point, and that’s why our approach is holistic. We are not entirely discarding the value of education—rather, we are complementing it with real-world skills assessments. We will continue to ensure that all employees meet the fundamental competencies necessary for their roles, just assessed through different methods.
**Editor:** For our readers, this initiative raises a critical question: To what extent do you believe that skills-based hiring could redefine meritocracy in the workplace? Is it the future of employment, or could it lead to unintended consequences in evaluating talent?
**Sarah Jennings:** That’s an important debate to have. It challenges us all to rethink what merit means and how it’s measured. I invite readers to engage in this conversation—what do you think? Is skills-based hiring the key to inclusivity, or does it risk overlooking essential educational foundations?
