Establishes Center for Career Relevant Education and Talent Evaluation of New Jersey at Thomas Edison State University.
The proposed legislation emphasizes the importance of creating a structured mechanism for assessing and recognizing competencies and skills acquired outside of traditional educational settings. It is expected to facilitate the inclusion of a diverse population in the workforce, helping individuals who have unconventional educational backgrounds to gain the credentials necessary to secure employment and advance their careers. The bill calls for the development of the CreateNJ Workforce Transcript, a validated record of learning experiences and outcomes.
Assembly Bill A2065 aims to establish the Center for Career Relevant Education and Talent Evaluation of New Jersey at Thomas Edison State University, commonly referred to as CreateNJ. This center is envisioned as the state's primary resource to evaluate and translate learning experiences into validated academic credits, career credentials, and the various skills and abilities relevant to the workforce. The overarching goal is to enhance collaborations between employers, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to develop effective career pathways, particularly targeting nontraditional students and workers.
One notable aspect of A2065 is the establishment of a steering committee to oversee the center's operations. This committee will consist of representatives from various sectors, including government, education, and industry. While this collaborative structure is generally seen as beneficial, there are potential concerns regarding how effectively the committee will address the varying needs of different stakeholders in the workforce development ecosystem. Additionally, the implementation of voluntary participation for individuals seeking to add their credits and skills to the database raises questions about the potential scale and effectiveness of the initiative.