Now more than ever, having the right skills across your organization is crucial for driving growth. It’s more time and budget efficient for employees and companies alike to upskill from within by offering focused higher education to stay ahead of the competition with the latest know-how. Still, a recent study by Forbes shows that in the United States alone: “over 39 million adults have attended college but earned no degree or other credential.” Now is the time to fill the skills gap and maximize your team’s potential! 

Global education leader Pearson is bringing the concept of upskilling from within to the next level with new advances in the Accelerated Pathways program. The landscape of education is always evolving, and our latest 8-module course structure aligns with our commitment to innovation. Learners appreciate the organization, clarity, and flow of materials in this new format. The integration of video content and interactive learning objects (ILO) further enhanced the learning experience, providing a cohesive and engaging framework for learners to follow. 

Your team members can benefit from an even more enriching learning experience for career advancement and company growth. 

Highlights:  

• Self-paced learning with instructor support for questions, feedback, and grades

• Fewer quizzes and tests, more hands-on projects 

• Open enrollment to start anytime

Instructors are the pillars of learner success 

A significant highlight of the revamped courses is the enhanced role of instructors. Learners have expressed immense gratitude for the timely and constructive feedback from their instructors. The prompt responses to messages create a more immersive and "real" course experience, fostering a supportive learning environment. This feedback isn't just beneficial for academic purposes; it acts as a powerful confidence booster, encouraging learners to engage more deeply with the course content.

Projects bring learning to life 

The shift from traditional exams to project-based assessments marks a pivotal change in our approach to evaluating learner understanding. The remastered courses have replaced the conventional summative mid-term and final exams with projects, offering a more authentic means for learners to demonstrate their mastery of the material. Previously, some courses relied solely on multiple-choice quizzes and summative exams, while others combined written assignments with these traditional assessment methods.

Learners now have the opportunity to engage in projects that increase their interest in the content by being able to apply it directly to real-life situations. The clear instructions and detailed rubrics provided for these projects have been well-received, addressing past concerns about alignment between instructions and expectations. By giving more weight to projects than multiple choice quizzes, we emphasize the importance of real-life application over memorization. 

Further innovation for dynamic, engaging education

The positive feedback from learners highlights the success of these changes and underscores the importance of continuously evolving our educational methods. As we move forward, we remain committed to refining our courses to provide the best possible learning experience. The 8-module structure, supportive instructors, and project-based assessments are just the beginning. Together, we are building a future where education is dynamic, practical, and deeply rewarding. 

Join us on this journey as we continue to innovate and inspire. Your feedback and enthusiasm drive us to keep improving and ensuring that every learner can achieve their full potential. Here's to a new era of learning, where knowledge meets real-world application!

Questions? Connect with a representative at Accelerated Pathways for more details. 

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.