The Emerging LER
(Learning and Employment Record) Ecosystem

The new layer of the internet to power the future of work and education

The Emerging LER ecosystem is a layer of the internet designed to allow organizations to issue verifiable credentials that act as trusted envelopes of data that can be issued to an individual in a way where they can carry and share that data with other organizations of their choice in trustworthy, interoperable and useful ways.  

The LER Ecosystem empowers individual with their own data.

Screenshot 2024-01-01 at 12.06.33 PM
This image is a derivative of the original work published by the P1484.2 workgroup under the CC-BY license. It is used in this context to illustrate a common viewpoint to understand the design and fuction of the LER ecosystem.

This layer of the internet
is emerging all over the world.

Asia

Asia (including China and India): In Asia, particularly in China and India, organizations like the China Electronics Standardization Institute (CESI), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in India, and China Academic Degrees & Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC) have been instrumental in advancing the development of a global layer of the internet for interoperable learning and employment records, leveraging blockchain and digital credentialing technologies.

Europe

Key organizations like the European Blockchain Partnership (EBP), European Commission's Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC), and European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) have made significant strides in promoting interoperable learning and employment records, fostering a cohesive digital layer across the continent.

Latin America

In Latin America, organizations like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have been at the forefront of promoting digital innovation and skills development, contributing to the creation of a global layer of the internet for interoperable learning and employment records. Other entities such as the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science, and Culture (OEI) have also been actively involved in exploring digital solutions for enhancing credential recognition and mobility in the region.

Africa

The African Union Commission (AUC) has spearheaded efforts in Africa to promote interoperable learning and employment records, collaborating with partners to harness blockchain and digital solutions. Additionally, organizations such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) have played a crucial role in supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure and skills recognition across the continent.

Oceania

Within Oceania, key organizations such as the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) have been driving initiatives to establish interoperable learning and employment records, facilitating seamless recognition of skills and qualifications across borders, contributing to the global layer of the internet for digital credentials.

LER based solutions
create powerful benefits for everyone

  1. Recognition of Achievements: The emerging Learning and Employment Record ecosystem allows individuals to document and showcase their accomplishments comprehensively. This goes beyond traditional resumes or CVs by including certifications, badges, projects, and other tangible evidence of skills and expertise. This recognition provides a more holistic view of an individual’s capabilities, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

  2. Personal Brand Enhancement: By curating a detailed record of their learning and employment journey, individuals can craft a strong personal brand. They can highlight their unique skills, experiences, and achievements, effectively differentiating themselves from other candidates. This enhanced personal brand not only attracts potential employers but also opens up opportunities for networking, collaborations, and career advancement.

  3. Lifetime Learning Companion: The Learning and Employment Record serves as a lifelong companion for individuals on their learning journey. It tracks their educational achievements, professional development, and skill acquisition over time. By maintaining a comprehensive record of their learning experiences, individuals can identify areas for growth, set learning goals, and continuously evolve their skills to stay relevant in a rapidly changing job market.

  4. Transparent Career and Learning Paths: With access to detailed records of their past experiences and achievements, individuals gain clarity on their career and learning paths. They can see how each accomplishment contributes to their overall progression and identify the steps needed to reach their goals. This transparency enables better career planning, informed decision-making, and the ability to navigate various opportunities with confidence.

  5. Efficient Job Matching: Employers can leverage the rich data provided by the Learning and Employment Record ecosystem to find the most suitable candidates for job openings. By matching specific skills, qualifications, and experiences with job requirements, employers can streamline the recruitment process and identify candidates who are the best fit for the role. This efficiency benefits both employers and individuals, leading to better job matches and increased job satisfaction.

  6. Holistic and Customized Guidance: The Learning and Employment Record ecosystem offers personalized guidance tailored to individual needs and goals. By analyzing an individual’s record, algorithms can provide recommendations for relevant learning opportunities, career pathways, and professional development resources. This holistic guidance helps individuals make informed decisions about their education, career, and skill development, maximizing their potential for success.

  7. Continuous Skill Development: Through regular updates and reflections on their Learning and Employment Record, individuals are encouraged to engage in continuous skill development. They can identify emerging trends, acquire new skills, and adapt to changing industry demands proactively. This ongoing learning process ensures that individuals remain competitive in their fields and prepared for future opportunities.

  8. Empowered Career Decision-Making: Armed with a comprehensive record of their achievements and skills, individuals are empowered to make confident career decisions. Whether considering a job change, pursuing further education, or exploring new opportunities, individuals can assess their strengths, weaknesses, and interests based on tangible evidence. This empowerment fosters a sense of control over one’s career trajectory and enhances overall career satisfaction.

  9. Consistent Professional Reflection: The Learning and Employment Record encourages individuals to engage in regular reflection on their professional journey. By reviewing past experiences, identifying successes and challenges, and setting future goals, individuals can cultivate a habit of self-awareness and continuous improvement. This reflective practice enhances professional growth, fosters resilience, and promotes lifelong learning habits.

  1. Precision in Talent Acquisition: The Learning and Employment Record ecosystem enables employers to identify and recruit candidates with precise skills and experiences that match their specific job requirements. By leveraging comprehensive data on candidates’ achievements, certifications, and past experiences, employers can make more informed hiring decisions, ensuring a better fit for their organization’s needs.

  2. Strategic Workforce Planning: With access to detailed records of employees’ skills, competencies, and career aspirations, employers can conduct strategic workforce planning more effectively. They can anticipate future skill gaps, identify areas for development, and align their talent strategies with long-term business objectives. This proactive approach ensures that the organization has the right talent in place to drive innovation and growth.

  3. Customized Workforce Development: Employers can use the data captured in the Learning and Employment Records to design customized workforce development programs tailored to the specific needs of their employees. By understanding each individual’s skills gaps and career goals, employers can offer targeted training and professional development opportunities that enhance employee performance and engagement.

  4. Accelerated Onboarding Processes: The detailed profiles available in the Learning and Employment Records streamline the onboarding process for new hires. Employers can quickly assess candidates’ skills and experiences, identify areas where additional training may be needed, and tailor the onboarding experience accordingly. This accelerated onboarding process ensures that new employees become productive members of the team more quickly, reducing time-to-proficiency and increasing overall efficiency.

  5. Strategic Recognition and Rewards: Employers can use the data-driven insights from Learning and Employment Records to implement strategic recognition and rewards programs. By identifying high-performing employees, recognizing their achievements, and rewarding them accordingly, employers can foster a culture of excellence and drive employee motivation and loyalty.

  6. Data-Driven Career Pathing: Employers can leverage the wealth of data in Learning and Employment Records to facilitate data-driven career pathing for their employees. By analyzing employees’ skills, interests, and career aspirations, employers can provide targeted guidance on potential career trajectories within the organization, fostering employee development and retention.

  7. Improved Succession Planning: With access to comprehensive employee profiles, employers can better identify potential successors for key roles within the organization. By analyzing employees’ skills, experiences, and career aspirations, employers can develop succession plans that ensure a smooth transition when key employees leave or move into new roles. This proactive approach to succession planning mitigates risks associated with talent gaps and ensures continuity in leadership and critical functions.

  8. Enhanced Employee Engagement: The Learning and Employment Record ecosystem facilitates ongoing feedback and communication between employers and employees, enhancing overall employee engagement. By providing visibility into career development opportunities, recognizing achievements, and aligning employees’ goals with organizational objectives, employers can foster a sense of purpose and commitment among their workforce.

  9. Strengthened Employer Brand: By offering personalized development opportunities, recognizing employees’ achievements, and facilitating career growth, employers can enhance their employer brand. A positive employer brand not only attracts top talent but also improves employee retention and loyalty, ultimately contributing to the organization’s long-term success and competitiveness in the market.

  1. Enhanced Educational Outcomes: Schools can use Learning and Employment Records to track students’ progress, identify areas for improvement, and tailor educational experiences to meet individual needs. By analyzing students’ achievements, competencies, and learning styles, schools can implement targeted interventions and support mechanisms that lead to improved academic performance and overall educational outcomes.

  2. Strategic Academic Planning: Learning and Employment Records provide schools with valuable insights into students’ strengths, interests, and career aspirations, enabling them to develop strategic academic plans that align with students’ goals and aspirations. By understanding students’ educational trajectories and desired outcomes, schools can design curriculum, programs, and initiatives that better prepare students for success in their chosen fields.

  3. Individualized Learning Paths: With access to comprehensive data on students’ learning preferences, progress, and achievements, schools can create individualized learning paths that cater to diverse student needs. By personalizing the learning experience, schools can better engage students, address their unique learning challenges, and foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

  4. Informed Alumni Engagement: Schools can leverage Learning and Employment Records to maintain ongoing engagement with alumni and support their career development journeys. By staying informed about alumni’s achievements, career paths, and ongoing learning experiences, schools can provide relevant resources, networking opportunities, and professional development support that contribute to alumni success and strengthen ties with the institution.

  5. Efficient Resource Allocation: Learning and Employment Records enable schools to make data-driven decisions regarding resource allocation, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support student learning and success. By analyzing students’ needs, performance data, and feedback, schools can identify areas where additional resources or support may be required and allocate resources accordingly, maximizing the impact of available resources.

  6. Accreditation and Recognition: Learning and Employment Records provide a robust evidence base for accreditation and recognition purposes, demonstrating the quality and effectiveness of educational programs and initiatives. By documenting students’ achievements, competencies, and learning outcomes, schools can provide compelling evidence to accrediting bodies, employers, and other stakeholders, enhancing the reputation and credibility of the institution.

  7. Dynamic Career Counseling: Schools can use Learning and Employment Records to provide dynamic career counseling services that support students’ career exploration and decision-making processes. By analyzing students’ skills, interests, and career aspirations, schools can offer personalized guidance, resources, and support that help students make informed decisions about their educational and career paths.

  8. Partnerships with Employers: Learning and Employment Records facilitate partnerships between schools and employers, enabling collaboration on curriculum development, work-integrated learning opportunities, and career placement initiatives. By sharing data on students’ skills, experiences, and achievements, schools can align their programs with industry needs, prepare students for the workforce, and facilitate smoother transitions from education to employment.

  9. Continuous Program Improvement: Schools can use Learning and Employment Records to continuously evaluate and improve educational programs and initiatives. By analyzing data on student outcomes, satisfaction levels, and alumni success, schools can identify areas for enhancement, refine curriculum design, and implement evidence-based practices that optimize student learning experiences and outcomes over time.

  1. LER Transparency and Accountability:

    • Government agencies can ensure transparency and accountability in education and workforce development by leveraging LER-based solutions to track and monitor individuals’ educational achievements, skills, and employment outcomes.
  2. Policy Planning and Decision-Making:

    • LER-based data provides valuable insights for policymakers to inform education and labor market policies, initiatives, and investments. Governments can use this data to identify trends, assess workforce needs, and allocate resources effectively.
  3. Workforce Development and Economic Growth:

    • By promoting lifelong learning and continuous skill development through LER-based solutions, governments can enhance the competitiveness of their workforce and drive economic growth. LER data enables governments to identify emerging skill gaps and facilitate targeted training and reskilling programs.
  4. Labor Market Intelligence:

    • Governments can use LER data to analyze labor market trends, forecast future workforce demands, and align education and training programs with evolving industry needs. This intelligence enables governments to develop strategic initiatives that foster a skilled and adaptable workforce.
  5. Promotion of Credential Portability:

    • LER-based solutions facilitate the portability and recognition of credentials across borders, enabling individuals to pursue education and employment opportunities internationally. Governments can support initiatives to standardize credentialing practices and promote mutual recognition agreements to enhance global mobility and competitiveness.
  6. Efficient Resource Allocation:

    • By leveraging LER data to assess the effectiveness of education and workforce development programs, governments can allocate resources more efficiently and ensure that investments yield positive outcomes. This enables governments to optimize their investments in education and training and maximize the impact on societal and economic development.
  7. Enhanced Public Services and Support:

    • Governments can use LER-based solutions to provide personalized career guidance, employment services, and social support to individuals, ensuring that citizens have access to the resources they need to succeed in the labor market. This enhances the effectiveness and inclusivity of public services and support systems.
  8. Data-Driven Policy Evaluation and Improvement:

    • LER data enables governments to evaluate the impact of education and workforce policies, programs, and interventions accurately. By analyzing outcomes and performance indicators, governments can identify areas for improvement, iterate on existing policies, and drive continuous innovation in education and workforce development.
  9. Promotion of Lifelong Learning Culture:

    • Governments can promote a culture of lifelong learning and skill development by incentivizing individuals to participate in LER-based credentialing and upskilling initiatives. This fosters a more resilient and adaptable workforce that can thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
  10. International Collaboration and Harmonization:

    • By participating in international efforts to standardize credentialing practices and promote interoperability, governments can facilitate collaboration and harmonization across borders. This fosters global partnerships, enhances mobility, and promotes mutual recognition of qualifications, benefiting individuals and economies worldwide.

For EdTech:

  1. Personalized Learning Experiences:

    • EdTech platforms can leverage LER data to personalize learning experiences for students, tailoring content and resources based on individual skills, interests, and learning goals. This promotes engagement, motivation, and academic success.
  2. Competency-Based Education:

    • LER-based solutions support competency-based education models, where students progress based on mastery of specific skills and competencies. EdTech platforms can track and assess learners’ competencies in real-time, providing timely feedback and support for skill development.
  3. Data-Driven Instructional Design:

    • EdTech developers can use LER data to inform instructional design decisions, such as curriculum development, assessment design, and learning pathway creation. By analyzing learners’ achievements and progress, developers can optimize learning experiences and outcomes.
  4. Efficient Learning Assessment and Credentialing:

    • LER-based solutions streamline learning assessment and credentialing processes, enabling educators to assess learners’ skills and competencies more efficiently. Digital credentials linked to LER data provide transparent and verifiable evidence of achievement.
  5. Lifelong Learning Support:

    • EdTech platforms equipped with LER-based features can support lifelong learning initiatives, offering learners access to a wide range of educational resources, credentials, and career pathways. This fosters a culture of continuous learning and skill development.
  6. Alignment with Workforce Needs:

    • EdTech platforms can collaborate with employers and industry partners to align learning content and experiences with current and future workforce needs. By integrating LER data into curriculum design, educators can ensure that learners acquire relevant and in-demand skills.
  7. Professional Development for Educators:

    • LER-based solutions provide opportunities for educators to track their professional development and credentials, supporting their ongoing growth and advancement. EdTech platforms can offer resources and tools for educators to expand their skills and stay updated with best practices.
  8. Parent and Guardian Engagement:

    • EdTech platforms can involve parents and guardians in their children’s education by providing access to LER data and progress reports. This promotes transparency, communication, and collaboration between educators, students, and families.

For HR Tech:

  1. Streamlined Talent Acquisition:

    • HR Tech platforms can use LER data to streamline talent acquisition processes, allowing employers to identify candidates with specific skills and qualifications more efficiently. This reduces time-to-hire and improves the quality of candidate matches.
  2. Data-Driven Recruitment and Selection:

    • LER-based solutions enable data-driven recruitment and selection practices, allowing HR professionals to assess candidates’ skills and competencies objectively. Digital credentials linked to LER data provide verifiable evidence of candidates’ qualifications.
  3. Enhanced Employee Onboarding:

    • HR Tech platforms equipped with LER-based features facilitate enhanced employee onboarding experiences, allowing employers to assess new hires’ skills and provide targeted training and development opportunities. This accelerates time-to-proficiency and improves employee retention.
  4. Talent Development and Succession Planning:

    • LER-based solutions support talent development and succession planning initiatives, enabling HR professionals to identify high-potential employees, assess their skills gaps, and provide personalized development plans. This fosters a pipeline of skilled talent for future leadership roles.
  5. Performance Management and Career Growth:

    • HR Tech platforms integrated with LER data enable ongoing performance management and career development discussions between employees and managers. Employees can track their achievements and progress, set goals, and receive feedback for continuous improvement.
  6. Workforce Analytics and Planning:

    • LER-based solutions provide HR professionals with valuable workforce analytics and insights, allowing them to identify trends, forecast future talent needs, and develop strategic workforce plans. This supports informed decision-making and resource allocation.
  7. Credential Verification and Compliance:

    • HR Tech platforms can use LER data to verify candidates’ credentials and ensure compliance with industry regulations and organizational requirements. Digital credentials linked to LER data provide transparent and tamper-proof evidence of qualifications.
  8. Employee Engagement and Retention:

    • HR Tech platforms equipped with LER-based features promote employee engagement and retention by offering opportunities for skill development, career growth, and recognition. This enhances employee satisfaction, loyalty, and long-term organizational success.

In the US, Development and Adoption of this Ecosystem
has been given to NGOs, States, Pioneering Organizations and Entrepreneurs.

The foundations for this layer of the internet in the US
are being laid by key national leaders:

IEEE Standards Association

Draft Recommended Practices for Learning and Employment Record (LER) Ecosystems

US Chamber t3 Innovation Network

Interactive LER Ecosystem Map Outlines Roles for Educators and Employers to Use Skills-Based Systems

American Workforce Policy Advisory Board

Learning and Employment Records Progress and the path forward

Jobs for the Future

Building a Skills-Based Talent Marketplace Verifiable Credentials Wallets for Learning and Employment

Education Design Lab

Learning and Employment Records (LERs)

National Governors Association

LEARNING AND EMPLOYMENT RECORD USE CASES

The Digital Credentials Consortium

Credential data standards and cryptographically signed credentials

Credential Engine

Learning & Employment Records Action Guide

Gobekli's Involvement and Commitment in Advancing
the Learning and Employment Record (LER) Ecosystem

At Gobekli, we are deeply committed to immersing ourselves in and contributing to the emergent Learning and Employment Record (LER) ecosystem. Through our dedicated endeavors, we aim to substantively advance this ecosystem while ensuring that our offerings remain at the vanguard of innovation and efficacy.

We take pride in our involvement in notable initiatives such as the Jobs for the Future Plugfests 1, 2 and 3, as well as the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Experience You project, facilitated by their T3 Innovation Network and Education Design Lab. These collaborative endeavors not only afford us the opportunity to share our expertise but also furnish invaluable insights into the dynamic landscape of LER and its practical applications.

In addition to our participation in these initiatives, we actively engage in various preeminent forums and networks, including the Open Skills Network, VC Edu, IEEE, and Ed Design Lab Open Competency Meetings, among others. Through our immersion in these scholarly discourses and interactions, we ensure comprehensive awareness of the latest developments, standards, and best practices within the LER ecosystem.

Our engagement in these scholarly arenas not only enriches our understanding but also empowers us to develop enhanced tools and products that cater to the evolving exigencies of our collaborators and the broader community. By maintaining close connections and active engagement, we steadfastly uphold our commitment to furnishing the most utilitarian, interoperable, and verifiable solutions for all stakeholders within the LER ecosystem.

Gobekli's Recent Posts about the LER ecosystem:

See our presentation for the US Chamber of Commerce and Education Design Lab's Experience You Project:

More about the LER ecosystem:

Recent News in the LER Ecosystem:

LERs are designed to power

We help our school, employer and service partners educate their teams, roadmap strategies and build integrated solutions on the emerging LER ecosystem.

Designed to help any organization understand, strategize, develop and implement their own LER and AI services, our partnership packages create an accessible way for your organization to build or adapt their Learning and Employment Records strategy for the future. 

We provide three tiers of partnership based on your organizations stage of development that allow for easy and scalable access to the information, technology, strategies and talent to ensure your organization is future ready, in their own way.