How Valuable Are Industry-Recognized Credentials?

Matt Giani, Research Associate Professor - University of Texas at Austin

Love the episode? Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In recent years, Career and Technical Education has put an emphasis on industry-recognized certifications (IRCs). These IRCs are proof-of-skills for high school students entering the workforce or post-secondary education. In other words, having an industry-recognized credential should signify to an employer that a student has mastered a set of skills required for the workforce.

But how effective is this strategy?

This was the question University of Texas at Austin Professor Matt Giani set out to answer in this fascinating report. Giani partnered with the Thomas B. Fordham Institute to study the value of IRCs across Texas, and we dig into what he discovered in this episode of the podcast.

This first-of-its-kind study assesses the impact of specific IRCs earned in high school on various employment and postsecondary outcomes for students who do and do not attend college. The findings can help education leaders and policymakers improve CTE and IRC opportunities in order to boost student success in the labor market.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt to discuss the top 6 findings in this report, as well as 4 key takeaways that educators, employers and state policymakers can all learn from.

Download the full report: https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/research/industry-recognized-credentials

What our listeners are saying

The #1 podcast in TechEd
This podcast is a great resource to keep up with all the exciting changes in the world of manufacturing and technology. Get key insight from industry leaders from the Midwest and around the globe that you won’t find anywhere else. A must listen for anyone interested in how technology is changing the way businesses operate.

The pulse of Industry 4.0
This podcast has its fingers on the pulse of Industry 4.0, and Matt K. is a phenomenal guide, traversing the complexities of manufacturing and education in one forum. A+ work all around!

Compelling
I find Matt's approach to be very compelling. He brings both perspectives, industry AND education. He doesn't hold back on what he thinks is important...

New and Exciting Content With Every Episode
I really enjoy listening to this podcast when I'm driving or have a free moment. Each episode brings a new guest with a fresh and exciting perspective of both education and the workforce!

I needed this podcast back when I was in High School!
Such great content that deserves more attention at all level of education. I wish I heard some of these episodes when I was navigating my own career path. Incredible guests, with incredible messages to share. Keep up the great work!

Inspiring topics featuring inspiring leaders
I’ve listened to most of your weekly podcasts and enjoy listening to the stories and conversations that feature business and education leaders from Wisconsin. Kudos to you for creating a platform that presents ideas and success stories that are important to Career and Technical Education teachers and leaders.

Best Career and TechEd Podcast
There are a lot of education podcasts out there. This is the only one that really focuses on bringing together voices from inside AND outside education and focuses specifically on STEM and Career/Tech Ed. This is a great podcast for anyone in education and also for anyone who employs STEM or skilled-trades talent in their workforce.

Filling in Gaps
This show spotlights a large and growing aspect of education that doesn’t get enough attention. Practical and technical education is a field growing exponentially. This podcast Highlights many of the facets of this diverse field.

Fantastic Topics on the Future of Industry
These podcasts are the best for learning about current and future technology. The stories are great. We need more of these interviews.

★★★★★