5 hours Ago By Chris Allen Thompson
In an effort to bolster the workforce in the face of growing economic and population booms, Governor Brian P. Kemp, who currently chairs the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), has launched the Commission on Career Pathways and Credentials. The new commission is tasked with developing strategies to ensure that the southern states' residents have access to education and training that align with high-demand jobs, as reported by a press release from the Governor's office.
According to Governor Kemp, "With the South experiencing incredible economic and population growth, one of the biggest challenges we currently face is preparing the next generation of workers for success in the ever evolving job market," a sentiment highlighting the urgency to create effective career pathways, in the announcement . The commission will be drawing from a diverse pool of expertise with members coming from each of SREB’s 16 member states and the group is anticipated to render its policy recommendations by late 2025, aiming to align skills with industry needs. The effort is meant to create a clear vision for all stakeholders involved, with SREB senior vice president for school improvement, Dale Winkler, stating, "Every student and adult needs to be able to see clearly how to get where they want to go," as people strive to align their educations and careers with the demands of the marketplace.
Addressing the multidimensional nature of this challenge, SREB President Stephen L. Pruitt pointed out that, “This is complex work beyond the ability of K-12, higher education, adult education, or workforce agencies to do alone,” reflecting the necessity for a collaborative approach to workforce development, according to same press release. The Commission on Career Pathways and Credentials is a collective that includes leaders from various sectors — including governors' offices, state agencies, K-12 education, higher education, and businesses — each sharing their unique insights and reviewing data and best practices, aiming to create a framework to connect agencies data, learning and career-relevant credentials; the intention behind such an initiative is to craft a pragmatic approach in compiling lists of high-demand pathways and the occupations and credentials that resonate with local industries and propel economic vitality.
Founded in 1948, the SREB has long been dedicated to improving the social and economic landscape of the South through advancements in education, solidifying SREB's place as a cornerstone of regional progress. It serves as a nonprofit, nonpartisan compact among 16 member states, extending from Delaware to Texas, providing essential policy data, aiding legislative decision-making, and actively improving teaching, learning, and leadership capabilities within academic institutions..
