EC Georgia News

On February 24, 2025, Congressman Rick W. Allen from Georgia's 12th district introduced the Validate Prior Learning to Accelerate Employment Act. As Chairman of the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee, Allen aims to address workforce shortages by recognizing skills gained outside traditional educational settings.

Allen stated: "Learning doesn't only happen in the classroom. Yet, employers oftentimes overlook qualified and experienced job seekers due to a lack of formal education. As we continue to face workforce shortages in Georgia and across the nation, I am proud to introduce the Validate Prior Learning to Accelerate Employment Act."

The proposed legislation seeks to update the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It will promote assessments that recognize prior learning for industry-recognized certificates or postsecondary credential credits.

"This bill will help ensure local workforce development and job placement partners are equipped with the necessary resources to measure job seekers' abilities," Allen added.

The act encourages collaboration between businesses and education providers for skill validation assessments valued by employers. These assessments will be integrated into local workforce centers' services to aid reemployment efforts.

"In today's modern economy, we must do away with the outdated narrative that a college degree is the only sufficient measure of what a worker can bring to the table," Allen emphasized.

Employers seeking skills-based hiring will find support through this initiative as it reduces reliance on college degrees during recruitment processes.