New executive order focuses on skills-based learning

President Trump signed an executive order to overhaul requirements federal agencies use when evaluating job candidates, to select a job applicant’s skills over a college degree. The goal of the order is to create a broader pool of potential federal employees and a more equitable hiring process.

The order states, “Over-reliance on degrees can be a barrier to entry into federal service, and it can also prevent current civil servants who possess relevant skills, training or experience from transitioning into emerging fields within the federal government.”

With 2.1 million civilian workers, excluding the postal service employees, the federal government is the nation’s largest employer.

The order implements best practices already adopted by private sector leaders to promote equity and inclusion.

Cables connected to a hub.