The following is from Oregon Workforce Partnership:

The skills-first movement emerged as a way to unlock opportunity by focusing on what people can do—not where they learned to do it. It’s about practical skills over pedigree, and it opens doors for those who’ve gained experience outside of traditional degree paths. Here in Oregon, we’ve embraced this shift through tools like the Employability Skills Curriculum and Learning and Employment Records (LERs), helping individuals demonstrate their full range of capabilities across industries.

But in the shifted political landscape of 2025, DEI efforts have faced mounting scrutiny, and many companies are pulling back—removing diversity language from their branding, restructuring initiatives, or avoiding race-conscious strategies altogether.

So what does that mean for the skills-first movement?

According to a recent article from Work Shift, skills-based hiring is not only surviving—it’s adapting. Rather than framing these practices as equity-driven, many companies are repositioning them as smart business. They point to efficiency, agility, and access to a broader talent pool as reasons to keep hiring based on ability, not credentials. Efforts like OneTen, once focused on Black talent without degrees, are still pushing skills-first strategies—but with broader, less identity-focused messaging.

And while the rhetoric may be changing, the values may not be disappearing. In a recent OPB interview, Portland author Shari Dunn challenged the idea that corporate America is retreating on DEI altogether: Dunn points out that most corporations have actually voted down anti-DEI proposals, recognizing the business strength that a diverse workforce brings. DEI may be quieter, but companies still understand that diversity—and the skills that come with it—are essential to success, especially in a global economy.

BOTTOM LINE:

Skills-first hiring continues to gain traction, even as the political climate changes. For many employers, it’s less about labels and more about results. If we want a workforce that reflects the complexity of our economy, the principles behind skills-first hiring will help businesses grow and thrive.

Learn more about Oregon Employability Skills Curriculum here.