This white paper from Learn In (found via Hacking HR) makes some compelling arguments and provides great insight into the history and questionable necessity of Tuition Assistance Programs.
“Most [Tuition Assistant Programs] are inherently biased towards workers privileged to have the discretionary time and money to use them and that have the support network that enables education to be a priority.”
Refocusing efforts (and job requirements) away from degrees and onto competencies (certifications, training, etc.) provides a more navigable career path for employees, and a stronger ROI for companies. Empowering employees to gain critical skills and knowledge outside of a formal degree program is faster, often less expensive, and promises to keep up with the evolving needs of today’s (and tomorrow’s) business landscape.
“The digital revolution, or what the [World Economic Forum] calls the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is changing how people learn, what they need to learn, and the rate at which they need to learn new competencies.”
