In this open meeting of the Career Navigation Leadership Council, leaders from education, workforce, philanthropy, and industry will engage in a dynamic roundtable exploring how first jobs are evolving in an age of AI automation rapid market change and and how we need to think differently about preparing young people who are entering into the workforce at a very different point of entry than previous generations. Together, participants will share how employers should be thinking about on-the-job training and upskilling in the near future, and how educators might rethink what skills and experiences learners need to step into the “new” entry-level job landscape which just may be what we used to think of as mid-level careers. This interactive session will focus on actionable approaches, scalable models, and cross-sector opportunities to discuss how to best prepare young talent for the future.

In today's rapidly evolving job market, the demand for short term credentials has grown significantly. These credentials offer a flexible and efficient pathway for individuals to gain specific skills and knowledge required by employers. However, ensuring the quality and value of these credentials is paramount. This workshop aims to explore the quality indicators necessary for short term credentials to be recognized and trusted by employers, to help educational solution providers articulate the value of their programs and to help learners find and evaluate the program or paths that are right for them. Join American Student Assistance (ASA) and Jobs for the Future (JFF) in a workshop that promises to be a valuable opportunity for all stakeholders involved in the creation, implementation, and recognition of short-term credentials. By focusing on quality indicators, we aim to enhance the value and trust in these credentials, ultimately benefiting learners, employers, and the broader educational landscape. This session will examine practical approaches to filling these gaps without a national dataset. It will explore what a ""good enough"" solution could look like, enabling learners to access and understand available credential and program data.