Skills-based organization providers and resources

- Nobody builds a skills-based organization by themselves. Not only does it require a whole bunch of cooperation, it also requires internal and external resources to support it. Let's discuss the scope of third-party resources available to the skills-based organization. And I can tell you right now, there are plenty of them and there's more on the way. There are providers that can help you do a skills test, conduct a skills inventory, redesign job descriptions, create career ladders, set up learning management systems, and more. Let's begin with the skills testing providers. There's hundreds of them. Examples include TestGorilla, SHL, and Adaface. Some test providers focus on a specific niche, especially in a technical arena, and many are broad-based with hundreds of tests available. Some test providers offer a hiring gateway, for example, take this test to see if you can even apply. Some will tie into your applicant tracking system through what's known as an API. Online skill training providers like LinkedIn Learning continue to evolve. As with other vendors, more AI, automation, and customization are being deployed. This technology will be able to help employers determine which tests are most appropriate for that applicant or employee and put them on a path to building the needed skills. Vendors such as TalentGuard can help with the gathering, inventorying, and analyzing of a company's skilled portfolio. Some vendors offer both a learning management system, as well as provide content. You want to make sure that your LMS works with the majority of content providers to create a seamless user experience for your employees. Of course, there's also specialized in-person training, especially when it comes to operating machinery or doing other physical labor. There are plenty of certification providers to show a level of proficiency. For example, my bookkeeper is a certified QuickBooks user. One of my coaching clients obtained four Salesforce certifications in one month and 16 within a year. In doing so, he went from being a Buddhist monk to earning over $200,000 a year. Skill certification providers include associations such as SHRM for HR executives, ASAE for association managers, and the National Board of Certified Counselors, or NBCC. There are also certifications offered by vendors such as Salesforce, QuickBooks, and Microsoft. One of my favorite resources in this entire area is known as O*NET. It is the largest collection of skills data in the world, and it's managed by the US Department of Labor. O*NET also has competency models, career ladders, and a ton more information and resources. Most of it is valuable no matter what country that you're in. Another great resource is the World Economics Forum Reskilling Revolution. Finally, there are plenty of public resources available to pay for some or all of that skill training. One example is California's Employment Training Panel. Another example is the UK's Apprenticeship Training Program. With a bit of research, you can find funding resources to support your upskilling and reskilling programs. There's plenty of resources beyond those I've shared that you can discover simply by typing in resources for skills-based organizations in your favorite search engine. The good news is there is a great deal of support available for building a skills-based organization.