Establish formal, compensated worker advisory councils and co-design teams in skills-first system design¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The report recommends establishing "formal, compensated mechanisms (e.g., Worker Advisory Councils, co-design teams) to authentically integrate the lived experiences and insights of frontline workers, opportunity youth, and veterans into every stage of skills-first system design, implementation, evaluation, and model iteration." It argues this ensures solutions are relevant, accessible, and responsive to needs including trauma-informed support, and calls for specific outreach strategies for opportunity youth and veterans acknowledging compounding barriers.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Compensation and positioning of workers as subject matter experts; specific outreach and engagement strategies for opportunity youth and veterans

Constraints¶

• The report notes existing engagement is often limited, inaccessible (e.g., scheduling conflicts, untrustworthy spaces), or one-offs, and feedback designs may be too jargony

Target Learners¶

• frontline workers, opportunity youth (ages 16-24 disconnected from employment and education), and veterans

Target Learning Goals¶

• relevant and accessible skills-first system design; authentic integration of worker lived experience

Related Strategies¶

• Seven IUX methodologies for centering learners in LER technology development
• Supportive practices for inclusive youth co-design: reach beyond usual voices, respect time, ensure accessibility, and compensate fairly

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Carter, B., & Jacobs, B. (2025, July). Understanding, valuing, and utilizing skills-first practices as an organization supporting frontline workers and jobseekers. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/256