Public sector careers can offer something many workers are looking for right now: stability, strong benefits, meaningful work, and opportunities for long-term growth.

But applying for government jobs can feel like learning a completely different language. From civil service terminology to structured applications and lengthy hiring timelines, the process is often very different from the private sector.

That’s why Opportunity@Work and SkillUp created Unlocking Public Sector Careers: A State Government Application Guide for STARs; a practical roadmap designed to help STARs navigate the public sector hiring process with confidence.

The guide includes:

• How public sector hiring works • Common government hiring terms explained • Resume and application tips for STARs • Interview guidance using the STAR method • Where to find public sector jobs • Insights from public sector leaders and STARs already working in government roles

If you’re a STAR interested in public service, this resource can help you better understand the process and better position your skills and experience for government opportunities.

Explore the guide here: https://skillup.org/public-sector#applicant-guide

#STARs #SkillsFirst #PublicSector #FutureOfWork #CareerDevelopment #GovernmentJobs #TearThePaperCeiling

In 2026, employers are prioritizing verifiable skills over degrees, unlocking opportunity for millions of STARs (workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes).

Join us February 17 at 1 PM ET for a live webinar exploring the technical, human, and AI-powered skills shaping the future of work—and how you can start building them now.

You’ll learn: • Why the 2026 job market rewards skills, not credentials • The top AI, digital, and human skills employers are actively seeking • How to use the 80/20 rule to accelerate career growth • How to build a durable skills profile that keeps you competitive • Where to access free, industry-recognized training through IBM SkillsBuild

👉 Register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z5r5WZ-8RYq4h6QSIJxODQ#/registration

#TearThePaperCeiling #SkillsFirst #HireSTARs #FutureOfWork #CareerDevelopment #AIJobs #SkillsBuild

September is Workforce Development Month - a reminder that the future of work depends on recognizing every pathway where skills are built.

For 70+ million STARs (workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes), talent is developed in ways that don’t always fit the traditional mold. From military service to apprenticeships, community college to on-the-job learning, STARs are proving every day that skills—not just degrees—are the foundation of a strong workforce.

At Opportunity@Work, we’re working with employers, policymakers, and community partners to redesign hiring practices so STARs can fully contribute their skills to the economy. When we break the paper ceiling, we not only expand opportunity for STARs, but also unlock the workforce our country needs to grow and thrive.

This Workforce Development Month, let’s celebrate all the routes that build real skills—and commit to opening more doors for STARs.

Learn more: opportunityatwork.org

#WorkforceDevelopmentMonth #HireSTARs #SkillsFirst #TearThePaperCeiling #FutureOfWork

Meet the AI-powered STARs Coach by Career Village: a resource designed to help you navigate every stage of your career with confidence.

With STARs Coach, you can: • Explore career paths that match your skills • Prepare for interviews and applications • Build your network and strengthen your confidence • Map out a plan to reach your goals

Ready to take your next step? Start today: https://www.tearthepaperceiling.org/stars

#STARsCoach #TearThePaperCeiling #HireSTARs #FutureOfWork #CareerSupport #STARs

Meet the trailblazers Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) — individuals who carved out careers not by degrees, but through determination, hustle, and heart.

In each episode, you’ll hear real stories of resilience, innovation, and grit across industries — all with one message: There’s more than one way to build a successful career.

🎧 Start listening today: https://pages.opportunityatwork.org/paperless-pathways/

#STARs #PaperlessPathways #CareerMobility #AlternativeRoutes #FutureOfWork #TearThePaperCeiling

Our research shows it takes STARs more than 30 years of work experience to earn what a college graduate earns on day 1 of their career. These challenges arise because of a variety of barriers that STARs face, including unnecessary bachelor's degree screens, outdated hiring technology, and lack of professional networks.

Learn from STARs (workers skilled through alternative routes) like you: https://www.opportunityatwork.org/stars

#SkillsFirst #HireSTARS #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerDevelopment #InclusiveHiring #FutureOfWork #SocialImpact

We envision a future where employers hire people based on their skills rather than just their academic pedigree. Skills-first hiring levels the playing field for all workers, allowing STARs to achieve upward economic mobility while providing companies access to more workers they need to fill open jobs.

It’s time for employers to look to STARs and see what they’re missing.

Who are STARs? Find out here: https://www.opportunityatwork.org/stars

#SkillsFirst #HireSTARS #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerDevelopment #InclusiveHiring #FutureOfWork #SocialImpact

Jon left home at 16 and worked two jobs to stay afloat—college wasn’t an option. But resilience and real-world experience shaped his path.

From retail to management, Jon’s skills led him to a contract role at Trane Technologies, where he quickly moved into a full-time position and earned a promotion within two years.

Learn more from STARs like you: https://www.opportunityatwork.org/star-stories

#STARs #SkillsBasedHiring #FutureOfWork #CareerJourney

We’ve arrived at the final episode of our pilot season of Paperless Pathways! To close things out, we’re focusing on one of the most game-changing tools for STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes): building authentic connections and a personal brand that opens real opportunities.

Host LaShana Lewis, Chair of the STARs Advisory Council, is joined by Marsay McKinney, Lateria Brown, and Kelly Powers for an energizing and insightful conversation. Together, they explore how STARs can:

• Communicate their value with confidence
• Grow visibility without a traditional degree
• Build relationships that lead to meaningful work

Whether you’re a STAR plotting your next career step or a workforce leader aiming to support untapped talent, this finale delivers practical advice and inspiring perspectives.

Tune in here:: https://pages.opportunityatwork.org/paperless-pathways/?utm_campaign=paperlesspathways_ep5&utm_source=description&utm_medium=youtube&utm_content=&utm_term=

#PaperlessPathways #STARs #FutureOfWork #WorkforceDevelopment