At this year’s SHRM conference in Chicago, attendees had the opportunity to join the panel on “Strategic Upskilling: Fueling Retention in the Age of Innovation,” with speakers from Edcor, Amazon, the KFC Foundation, and Brinker International, parent company of Chili's and Maggiano's. The session highlighted the transformative power of upskilling through education benefits and the significant impact on employee retention in today’s rapidly changing business environment.

Moderator:

• Vicki Greene, President of GED Testing Service and SVP of Pearson Workforce Skills

Panelists:  

• Jeff Bulanda, Senior Manager, Amazon Career Choice 
  Adrienne Way, CEO & Owner, Edcor 
  Debbie Rollins, Program Director, KFC Foundation 
  Scott Roberson, Senior Project Lead, Brinker International

A holistic approach to employee education benefits

While discussing the importance of well-rounded employer-offered education benefits, Edcor’s CEO Andrienne Way stressed the necessity of paying attention to the entire employee base and understanding their diverse needs and aspirations. This approach is essential for creating meaningful programs that cater to employees at various stages of their careers.

Scott Roberson from Brinker International shared how their program, Best You EDU™, supports over 65,000 employees through initiatives like English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, GED credentialing via GEDWorks™, and degree options through Pearson Accelerated Pathways. These programs are tailored to meet employees where they are, helping them advance in their careers.

Debbie Rollins of the KFC Foundation discussed their significant expansion from one to over nine educational programs in the last 14 years. Many of KFC’s 100,000 emoloyees are frontline workers without a high school diploma. As a founding partner of GEDWorks, the KFC Foundation has enabled over 400 employees to earn their GED credentials through GEDWorks – it’s life-changing for them and their families!

Moving onto higher education, companies and employees appreciate how Pearson Accelerated Pathways ensure that no credit is left behind – whether it’s for Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree studies. Academic advisors review existing credits and incorporate them into the degree path for seamless and cost-effective transition towards achieving academic and professional goals, saving time and money for learners and companies alike.

Financial considerations and managing learner expectations

Panelists explored the financial implications of offering education benefits, which ultimately save organizations money by reducing recruitment, hiring, and training expenses. Beyond financial savings, such benefits contribute to a more skilled and loyal workforce.

Scott pointed out that while degrees and certificates can open doors to new opportunities, they do not automatically lead to pay raises or promotions. However, they prepare employees for greater responsibilities and potential career advancement. Jeff Bulanda from Amazon Career Choice emphasized the importance of ensuring employees are adequately trained for advanced roles, such as data center technicians at AWS.

Expanding benefits to family members and student loan repayment

The conversation also touched on expanding educational benefits to family members and offering student loan repayment options. Edcor’s Adrienne Way addressed how some healthcare organizations use student loan repayment to attract physicians and nurses, highlighting the potential for similar strategies in other industries. Scott talked about plans to extend benefits to one family member and considering student loan forgiveness. Vicki noted that educational benefits go beyond empowering individuals to achieve their degrees – they have a generational effect that positively impacts their family.  

The evolution of education toward flexibility and focus on skills  

The pursuit of higher education has become increasingly flexible and accessible, compared to the traditional approaches that have been in place for centuries.  

For example, going from the GED or a traditional high school diploma to college-level learning is easier now thanks to Bridge-to-College courses by Pearson Accelerated Pathways. Flexible, online courses are available to learners who completed their high school credential but are not quite ready to dive into a college degree. The courses set them up for success with organizational skills as well as more advanced English and Math, all of which count as credits when enrolling in a higher education institution.  

One exciting opportunity for professionals is the ability to obtain a graduate certificate or stack credits towards a master’s degree through programs like Pearson Accelerated Pathways. This innovative approach allows individuals to use their existing credits, significantly reducing the cost and time required to earn an advanced degree. Degrees can be achieved without career interruption, enabling individuals and companies to plan for growth and keep up with skill demands.

Embracing AI and technological advancements

The discussion concluded with an exploration of the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements in education. AI is already being used by students to aid their learning. Pearson is actively developing tools to harness AI’s potential in education, ensuring that students and professionals alike can benefit from these innovations.

By leveraging past education, providing comprehensive support, and embracing technological advancements, organizations can empower their employees to achieve their academic and professional goals. This holistic approach benefits employees directly and contributes to overall organizational success and growth.

In the dynamic landscape of business, the evolution of skillsets plays a pivotal role in determining the success of companies. A key question arises: which types of roles are vital for your company's growth at this moment? Chances are, your team is encountering gaps in skills at multiple levels, and filling those skill gaps can give your company a competitive advantage. 

Embracing a Skills-Based Approach

One significant shift that has garnered attention is the shift towards hiring based on skills rather than traditional metrics like degrees or job titles. Relying solely on academic credentials or past job positions no longer provides a comprehensive understanding of an individual's potential contribution to a team. It's crucial to consider a diverse range of skills – including soft skills, technical expertise, decision-making abilities, life experiences, and motivation levels.

A skills-based approach to talent development encompasses various formal and informal learning initiatives. These can range from strategic educational benefits to mentorship programs and experiential learning opportunities. Research from the Working Learners Index indicates that a staggering 90% of employees express willingness to remain with their employer if educational opportunities are provided as a benefit. Just envision the cost savings and productivity enhancements achievable with such a high retention rate!

Education and Skills Development without Interruptions

Turning vision into reality is exciting for everyone involved. Partners like GEDWorks™ and Accelerated Pathways can facilitate seamless education and skills development for employees without disrupting their careers. GEDWorks empowers individuals to attain their GED® high school equivalency credentials while continuing to work, while Accelerated Pathways offers flexible online higher education options ranging from Associate to Bachelor’s to Master's degrees and graduate certificates.

These programs revolutionize traditional education by meeting learners at their current life stage, thereby preparing them for future careers brimming with fulfillment and success.

Thriving in the Digital Economy

Innovation knows no bounds, especially when it comes to addressing the demands of the digital economy. Collaborating with pioneering entities like WithYouWithMe, we've introduced the GED Tech Apprenticeship™ Program. This initiative equips GED learners with globally accredited training in high-demand tech fields such as software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

For employers, this program presents an innovative and cost-effective solution to bridge skills gaps. By hiring pre-trained, diverse entry-level candidates at minimal expense, businesses can address their talent needs efficiently.

Championing Bright Futures

In today's landscape, complacency is no longer an option. Every individual deserves access to education and multiple pathways to achieve their career aspirations. We must challenge the status quo and embrace diverse avenues to foster promising careers for ourselves, our employees, and future generations.

In conclusion, the paradigm shift towards skills-based hiring and education heralds a new era of business excellence. By prioritizing skills development, embracing innovative programs, and championing inclusive career pathways, businesses can thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the modern economy.

Dive deeper on a quick call with an upskilling expert at Accelerated Pathways.