Dallas College, in collaboration with its partners, has introduced a new national standard aimed at enhancing industry-recognized, competency-based workplace training across the country. These programs encompass apprenticeships, internships, on-the-job training, placement initiatives, and residencies, catering to the evolving needs of workers and aligning with new funding formulas such as Texas’ House Bill 8.
The move comes in response to the growing trend of skills-based hiring and career-connected learning, which has gained momentum in recent years and accelerated further in the wake of the pandemic. Analysis from the Burning Glass Institute reveals a significant shift, with a notable reduction in degree requirements for both middle-skill and high-skill occupations between 2017 and 2019. Experts anticipate this trend to persist, with an estimated 1.4 million jobs projected to drop college degree requirements in the next five years.
To address these changing dynamics, Dallas College has spearheaded the development and implementation of various training programs aimed at assisting employers in workforce training, upskilling, and reskilling initiatives. Led by the Advancement and Innovation Division, the college secured approval for the standard—designated ASTM E3416-23—from ASTM International’s accreditation and certification committee, marking a significant achievement for Dallas College.
"This new standard is a huge honor for Dallas College and this team, which will allow us to scale our workforce and value credentialing programs nationally," said Iris Freemon, interim vice chancellor of Dallas College Advancement and Innovation. "The standard is just one of the initiatives we are developing to support sector development and career acquisition, which are essential to results-based funding models."
Developed in collaboration with academia, government, and industry partners, including Bufflehead Strategies, Workcred, American Society for Health Care Human Resources Administration, Solutions for Information Design, Mickie Rops Consulting, Professional Testing, and EMB Consultants, the standard provides a structured framework for industry success and accreditation of training programs.
Dallas College plans to host national workshops to familiarize companies and organizations with ASTM E3416-23, titled “Standard Practice for Competency-Based Workplace Learning Programs.” The first workshop is scheduled for March 20-21 at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport, offering attendees a foundational understanding of the standard and the opportunity to create prototypes aligned with its guidelines.
Those interested in participating may register for the workshop online. For additional workshop information, contact Amy Mackenroth, associate deputy chancellor, Dallas College National Partnerships and Innovation, at Innovations@DallasCollege.edu.
