Partnerships that ignite change: TLN and T3 Innovation Network convene at fifth annual Unconference

When it comes to digital credentialing, creating an expansive, inclusive community is key to adoption and developing opportunities for lifelong learners to thrive. To do that, partnerships are essential.

That’s why the Trusted Learner Network (TLN) is proud to co-host the fifth annual TLN Unconference from April 3-4 with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s T3 Innovation Network (T3 Network). As part of the Unconference programming, attendees will be able to participate in the T3 Network’s Spring Meeting and Opening Reception on Wednesday, April 3 at the Arizona State University (ASU) downtown Phoenix campus.

We connected with Taylor Hansen, executive director of policy and programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, to learn more about the T3 Network and its current major projects, how T3 Network and the TLN are aligned as initiatives, what participants can expect at the Spring Meeting and more.

TLN: For those who are unfamiliar with the T3 Network, can you please share an introduction to the initiative?

Taylor Hansen (TH): Since 2018, the T3 Innovation Network has been focused on our mission to help facilitate the digital transformation of the talent marketplace. We have aimed to do this by promoting data interoperability across diverse stakeholders, including employers; education, training, and credentialing providers; government agencies; and technology partners. 

We are committed to this work to ensure that (1) all learning counts; (2) skills are used like currency; and (3) learners and workers are empowered with data, in the form of Learning and Employment Records (LERs), as they pursue education and employment opportunities. The T3 Network is a community of more than 1,200 individuals who are part of the ecosystem supporting this digital transformation.

TLN: What are some of the big initiatives that the T3 Innovation Network is working on this year?

TH: At T3, we are always engaged on a number of projects and initiatives designed to advance adoption and scale of skills based hiring and advancement (SBHA) and LERs. One of our major current initiatives is developing our SBHA & LER Toolkit, which will be a set of resources to support LER pilots and demonstrations. The first draft of these resources will be shared for the first time at our Spring Meeting in conjunction with the TLN Unconference!

We have other projects of note that are likely of interest to the TLN community:

We are continuing our LER-Resume Standard project, which is focused on supporting the sending and receiving of LERs. Learners and workers will be empowered with the ability to organize their LERs and share them with employers in a resume presentation.

Our efforts to provide opportunities for the current workforce to receive and own LERs continues. Through our LinkedClaims project, we are developing a tool that will allow individuals to make claims about skills, have those claims validated, and then publish this skills-based digital credential. Users will then be able to move that LER into a digital container or wallet.

Emerging technologies are providing new and exciting opportunities for supporting the adoption and scale of LERs. Through our Experience You projects, we will be designing field tests to explore ways artificial intelligence (AI) can support generating LERs for individuals by bringing their past experiences and achievements forward in the form of LERs.

TLN: This year, you’ll be hosting the T3 Network’s Spring Meeting in conjunction with the TLN Unconference. Why does it make sense to host the meeting with the Unconference?

TH: The T3 Network is excited to hold our Spring Meeting in conjunction with the TLN Unconference! The missions of the T3 Network and TLN are very closely aligned. While there are a lot of synergies between T3 and TLN, both networks attract different stakeholders to the conversation around digital credentials and LERs. 

This is a great opportunity for the T3 community to come to TLN and learn more from the digital credential community. At the same time, we feel that it is also a great opportunity for the TLN community to come and learn what digital credentials and LERs can offer to support skills-based hiring and advancement.

TLN: What can attendees expect when they register for the Spring Meeting?

TH: Attendees can expect to not only learn a lot about key T3 Network projects, but they should also come ready and willing to share their insights and expertise. The TLN Unconference will be where we will be sharing — for the first time — our initial draft of the SBHA & LER Toolkit. We value collaboration and community input, and we intend to offer ample opportunities for participants to not only improve the resources we are developing, but to help shape our work and priorities for 2024 and beyond.

TLN: T3 Network and the TLN are in alignment on many topics, including fostering a strong network community. What are some of the ways in which participants can get involved as members of the T3 Network? How is the Spring Meeting a culmination of that work?

TH: The T3 Network is always looking for new members to join our community! If anyone reading this has not already signed up to become a member of the T3 Network – please sign up. This will ensure you stay up to date on all of our projects and initiatives. 

Members also are provided with opportunities to participate directly in our projects. For example, T3 Network members were able to sign up and participate in a series of focus groups to help our LER resources team as they built this first draft that will be shared at our Spring Meeting.

TLN: For many, the digital credentialing ecosystem may feel daunting to achieve, and both the TLN and T3 Network are focused on demystifying that mindset. What advice would you give to those who are just beginning their journey in this space?

TH: Once you have committed to start your LER and digital credential journey, I believe that patience and a willingness to “do your homework” are key to ensuring the start of your journey sets you up for future success. By “do your homework”, I mean dedicating time and energy to researching, networking, asking questions, and engaging in collective action and impact whenever possible to both learn from and grow the ecosystem. The TLN and the T3 Network have so many great members and experts who are willing to share their lessons learned and expertise — all you need to do is ask! The T3 Network is always willing to help anyone on their journey (and at any stage of their journey) to adopt and implement LERs.  

Learn more about the TLN Unconference – including more about the Spring Meeting – at the event webpage.