Transformers in the Public Sector
Transformers in the Public Sector
The Volcker Alliance is partnering with Opportunity@Work to drive implementation of skills-based talent practices in government.
More than 62% of public agencies report difficulty finding qualified candidates, directly impacting the services communities depend on. At the same time, millions of individuals who developed their skills outside a traditional four-year college pathway represent a vast, overlooked talent pool for government. STARs—people Skilled Through Alternative Routes—are increasingly recognized as a critical and underutilized source of public sector talent.
In recent years, more than 20 state governments have removed degree requirements from public sector job descriptions, paving the way to recruit and hire STARs. But removing degree requirements is a necessary but not sufficient first step.
The Initiative
The Volcker Alliance and Opportunity@Work are working with 15 state and local governments to support the implementation of skills-based practices across the public sector.
Eleven participating governments will receive technical assistance and implementation coaching to help them make headway on skills-based hiring in critical roles, including budget and finance, HR and data analysis, and IT and cybersecurity.
- Arizona
- CapMetro (Austin, TX)
- Colorado
- Louisiana
- Maine
- New Mexico
- Ohio
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Four governments just starting their skills-based journey will receive training and peer-to-peer support to build organizational knowledge and readiness.
- Alaska Department of Natural Resources
- California
- Illinois
- Wyoming
Shared Cohort Goals
All participants are working toward measurable outcomes in three areas:
- Targeted Recruitment: Identifying specific roles and domains to focus recruitment and hiring of STARs
- Job Classification Reform: Updating statewide job classification standards to reflect skills rather than degree credentials
- Retention and Advancement: Addressing barriers to retention and advancement for STARs already working in government
To learn more about the initiative or explore how your agency can participate, contact Kate Nicoletti at [email protected].