CLRs Today and Tomorrow: Connecting Education to Employment

Both the education and job market are evolving, and institutions are embracing Comprehensive Learner Records (CLRs) to keep pace with these changes. This shift is quickly transforming how higher education showcases student achievements.

Read on to explore the value of CLRs for both schools and students, diving into the current landscape and uncovering what the future holds. Gain insights to empower learners and better align your offerings with their needs and those of the workforce.

The Power of Comprehensive Learner Records

CLRs now represent a transformative shift in how higher education institutions capture and communicate a student’s academic journey. Unlike traditional transcripts that focus solely on grades and course titles, CLRs provide a complete picture of a learner’s experiences, skills, and achievements at an institution. Built on verified data, they go beyond academics to include co-curricular activities, competencies, and personal growth — making them invaluable for students stepping into a competitive job market.

What’s Driving the Adoption of CLRs in Higher Education?

A 2024 report from ManpowerGroup reveals that 75% of employers worldwide struggle to find skilled talent. So, what’s the connection to CLRs? Traditional credentials and transcripts highlight educational achievements, but they often miss the bigger picture of a learner’s skills and qualifications. This gap makes it challenging for learners to showcase their capabilities, and, in turn, complicates employers’ efforts to find the talent they need — even when that talent is out there, waiting to be recognized.

Considering the limitations of traditional transcripts, there’s been a shift in confidence about the value of higher education. Meanwhile, stakeholders want a more comprehensive representation of a learner’s capabilities. With rising concerns about graduates’ employability, many institutions are looking towards CLRs and other digital credentials to better align educational outcomes with workforce demands. This shift is essential for meeting student needs as well; the 2024 State of Credentialing report shows that 96% of learners who earned a digital credential find it valuable for their careers, while 78% believe it enhances their chances of receiving a job offer.

The Benefits of Integrating CLRs — Sooner Than Later 

Adopting CLRs helps your school stay ahead of the curve, not only by enhancing educational offerings but also by unlocking a wealth of benefits that boost student success and institutional credibility. By embracing CLRs, your institution can:

• Offer more holistic student representation: Provide a comprehensive view of student skills and experiences, so learners are recognized for their full potential.
• Improve employability: Aligning educational outcomes with workforce requirements enhances graduates’ employability right from the start.
• Support informed decision-making: Gain valuable data insights to make strategic decisions that better meet the needs of students and the job market.
• Increase institutional credibility: Position your institution as an innovative leader in education, building trust and credibility among students, employers, and stakeholders alike.
• Build stronger employer connections: Strengthen relationships with employers by showcasing graduates’ competencies and making it easier for businesses to find the right talent.
• Support lifelong learning:  Provide a dynamic record of skills and achievements earned throughout an educational program, helping learners track and showcase their growth as they progress in their studies.

The Future of CLRs: What’s Next? 

As higher education institutions adapt to modern needs, CLRs are becoming essential to student success. With the growing demand for transparency in educational outcomes and a strong focus on workforce readiness, CLRs are set to become vital tools to boost credibility and attract prospective students. And since 86% of educators agree that technology is key to the future of education, according to Fierce Network, the ongoing integration of tech and data analytics will drive more personalized and dynamic CLR experiences in the years ahead.

Transform Learner Achievements With Parchment CLR Services

CLRs are quickly revolutionizing how institutions highlight learner achievements, bridging the gap between education and workforce demands. If your school is ready to dive in, Parchment CLR Services are here to help.

With expert consulting, easy-to-use tools, and continuous support, we help make issuing CLRs accessible and achievable. Our platform features pre-built data and design modules for quick implementation, so you can hit the ground running. And from setup to issuance, Parchment streamlines the adoption process — empowering students, boosting your institution’s credibility, and aligning education with real-world career outcomes.

Ready to transform your institution’s approach to student success? Schedule a demo today and see how Parchment can help you unlock the full potential of CLRs.

There’s always more to learn.