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Workforce certificates, certifications, occupational certifications, and occupational licenses are terms for credentials that prepare individuals for entry to the workforce. These terms are often confused. They are described by the U.S. Department of Labor as follows:
The U.S. Department of Labor has identified a variety of public and private entities that issue recognized postsecondary credentials:
In the State of Minnesota, certain businesses contracting with the state are required to have a Workforce Certificate. Workforce Certificates require contractors to actively work to hire, train, promote, and retain people of color, Indigenous people, women, and/or people with disabilities to ensure that Minnesota’s workforce reflects Minnesota’s demographics. The Workforce Certificates are obtained through the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) and are valid for four years.
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana: Workforce certification validates quality instruction and curriculum, and provides a third-party measure of students’ technical skills. Employers benefit from simplification of the employee screening and selection process; greater employee knowledge and improved productivity; increased return on investment (ROI) by quantifying course outcomes. Employees benefit through improved and validated skills; improved employment/advancement opportunities and earning potential; enhanced professional credibility; earned college credit which can be applied toward a certificate or degree; differentiated skills during hiring process.
Thirdway: A pay-for-performance model in which students pay one-third of the cost and the state covers the next two-thirds: one when the student completes the program and the final third when the student completes a workforce certificate after the training (see Virginia’s New Economy Workforce Grant).
Indeed, a worldwide employment website for job listings aggregates job listings from thousands of websites, including job boards, staffing firms, associations, and company career pages. Indeed identified 10 career certifications in demand in 2023: (1) Project management certifications, (2) Business analyst certification, (3) Supply chain certifications, (4) Marketing certifications, (5) Skilled trade certifications, (6) Human resources certifications, (7) Sales certifications, (8) Accounting certifications, (9) Computer network certifications, and (10) Health care certifications.
Definitions & Use of Key Terms & Concepts in Incremental Credentialing from Credential As You Go
Indeed. (March 2023). 10 In-Demand Career Certifications (And How To Achieve Them).
U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/advisories/TEN/2020/TEN_25-19_Attachment_1.pd
Virginia: New Economic Workforce Grant (2023)
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