Empowering Skilled Talent Through Skills-Based Hiring

The Financial Times recently explored the rise of skills-based hiring, showcasing how initiatives like these are transforming opportunities for professionals like Chanelle Washington-Bacon. Read the full article here,  No degree, no problem: US employers look beyond college credentials. 

Chanelle’s journey from project manager to business analyst at Cisco exemplifies the power of skills-first hiring. Without a four-year degree, she once doubted her potential—until connecting with OneTen. As part of the growing “new collar” workforce, Chanelle represents how focusing on skills can unlock potential for millions, especially in underrepresented communities. OneTen coalition members like Cisco, IBM, and Aon are embracing this shift, expanding talent pools, fostering inclusivity, and addressing labor shortages. This approach opens doors for nearly two-thirds of the U.S. workforce without degrees, creating opportunities for economic mobility while helping companies access untapped talent pools and improve retention. 

“Just because you don’t have that four-year degree doesn’t mean you don’t have the skills to do the job,” Chanelle says. This philosophy drives OneTen’s mission to bridge gaps in hiring and empower skilled professionals to thrive while helping organizations build more inclusive workplaces. 

At OneTen, we’re committed to redefining hiring practices and creating pathways for success. Learn more.