Job seekers would be able to advance more quickly in the workforce under legislation cosponsored on Nov. 1 by U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA).
The Validate Prior Learning to Accelerate Employment Act, H.R. 6166, would amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to identify or develop assessments that measure an individual’s prior knowledge, skills, competencies, and experiences.
“Helping citizens find jobs and connecting employers with skilled workers is one of the most essential building blocks of a strong economy,” Rep. Letlow said. “This bill is a great measure to help put more Americans back to work and leverage the skills and education they have.”
H.R. 6166, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), would direct states to coordinate with industry organizations, employers, training providers, local workforce boards, and institutions of higher education to identify or develop these assessments.
If enacted, the assessments under H.R. 6166 would be used to award recognized postsecondary credentials valued by employers in the state or postsecondary credit towards earning such credentials, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
The enacted assessments also would be used to develop individual employment plans that identify in-demand industry sectors or occupations that require similar knowledge, skills, and abilities, and any upskilling needed to secure employment in those fields, and to help individuals communicate their skills to prospective employers through skills-based resumes, profiles, or portfolios, the summary says.
