Skills-based hiring has emerged as one of the most promising shifts in workforce and HR strategy in decades — but the movement can’t scale without a strong data foundation.
In a new op-ed published by WorkingNation, Credential Engine CEO Scott Cheney explains why the movement toward skills-first practices will fall short unless we modernize the data infrastructure that underpins it. Today, credential and skills data are scattered across isolated systems, formatted in ways that are difficult for both humans and AI tools to read, and are unable to move seamlessly between education providers, learners, and employers.
Cheney makes a compelling case for using structured, open, linked data — specifically the Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL) — to connect job requirements, credentials, skills, and learning pathways across systems. With 77% of HR professionals reporting difficulty filling full-time roles, and 73% of employers already implementing skills-based hiring in some capacity, the need for a scalable solution has never been more urgent.
Read the article on WorkingNation
The op-ed offers essential insight for employers, education and training providers, and HR tech developers committed to realizing the full potential of skills-based hiring. Cheney also outlines specific action steps each group can take to strengthen alignment, improve decision-making, and ensure this movement is built on a solid foundation.
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Learn more about the Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL)
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