Why Industry-Wide Technical Skills Matter

​Industry-wide technical skills are used in more than one industry sector (segment of an industry).  These skills make it possible for employees to move easily across industry sub-sectors. By having industry-wide technical skills, you will have more opportunity for a variety of jobs, rather than being locked into a single career path.

Gain these skills through education, training, and experience. A good way to start is to:

• Explore careers and training programs in various industries.
• Volunteer in your industry.

Show that you have these skills by earning industry-recognized credentials.

A credential is a document, certificate, license, or digital badge proving a person's qualifications. You earn credentials by proving you have the knowledge and the skills that are required often through completing courses or training and taking tests.

• Credentials give you an advantage in the hiring process.
• Some industries may pay you a higher wage when you demonstrate you have a higher level of skills.
• Some credentials can be built upon and earned as you advance in your career. These are called stackable credentials. These credentials help you get into a career field and move up.
• Some jobs require that you have a credential or a license. For example, truck drivers and healthcare professionals need a license to perform their jobs.

Start exploring job information and training requirements for careers in various industries.