Skills-Based Hiring

There is a growing shift toward skills-based hiring in both the public and private sectors. This trend of “tearing the paper ceiling” prioritizes demonstrated skills over traditional four-year college degrees and is gaining traction as a more effective way to attract talent in a tight labor market.

Since Maryland's 2022 decision to eliminate degree requirements for many state government positions, at least 20 other states have followed suit, adopting hiring practices that emphasize aptitude over educational background. Over 60 percent of U.S. workers don’t hold a bachelor’s degree, yet nearly 70 percent of new jobs require one — often unnecessarily.

The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs report underscored the urgency of this trend, revealing that 60 percent of companies worry their current employees lack key skills, while over half are concerned about their ability to recruit new talent to fill those gaps. As technology continues to reshape the workplace, skills-based hiring may prove essential in preparing the workforce for jobs that don't yet exist.

While technical competencies evolve, human skills — like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving — remain constant. Employers are beginning to recognize that hiring for agility and core capabilities may be the key to long-term success. APA’s Upskilling Planners initiative equips planners with the right skillsets to excel in dynamic environments shaped by evolving approaches and technologies.