Multiple Pathways Initiative
Through the Multiple Pathways Initiative (MPI),
Business Roundtable member companies participate in a
multi-year targeted effort to ensure that there are
pathways to hiring and promotion for Americans
without college degrees. The emphasis on hiring and
promoting based on skills, rather than just degrees, helps
companies to expand the number of qualified applicants
and extends economic opportunity more broadly,
including to underrepresented groups.
CEO Leadership on Skills-Based Talent Strategy
The following principles guide the initiative, and companies recognize:
- Skills are as important as degrees or similar previously fixed requirements in hiring and promotion decisions.
- Hiring practices should create opportunities for individuals from a wide array of backgrounds.
- Employers should send clear demand signals regarding the skills needed in their workforce.
- Upskilling and continuous learning are vital to helping employees obtain the experiences, skills or certifications needed for professional growth.
- Partnerships with relevant stakeholders are critical to building a skills-first approach that works for all.
Larger Pool of Candidates
A skills-based hiring approach can increase the number of eligible candidates by up to 20x.
Increased Retention
Companies adopting skills-first practices report high positive impact on talent retention.
Future Forward
Skills are more predictive of a person’s future performance than educational attainment.
“At Medtronic, we have seen firsthand the positive impact of focusing on skills over traditional credentials. These new Business Roundtable resources can be utilized by employers nationwide to help them fill critical talent needs and create opportunities for U.S. workers. By measuring success and cultivating a supportive culture, we can ensure these strategies are not just impactful but also sustainable.”
CEO Perspectives
Doug McMillon, President and CEO, Walmart
Mary T. Barra, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Company
Resources
As part of MPI, Business Roundtable works with member companies and field experts to create resources that share best practices to advance a skills-based talent strategy.
