WGU’s Workforce Decoded Regional Analysis Finds Employers Take a “Yes, and” Approach As Degrees and Certificates Share the Spotlight

SALT LAKE CITY, March 18, 2026 – WGU today released a new regional analysis, Workforce Decoded: Annual Report, drawing on insights from more than 3,000 employers. The findings show companies are rethinking how they evaluate talent and are adopting the “yes, and” approach to hiring. While degrees remain central to hiring decisions, employers are placing a greater value on additional signals of job readiness, including applied skills and familiarity with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. 

Across the regions surveyed, employers say the relationship between education and experience is evolving, and companies value individuals who can translate learning into workplace impact from day one. As the nation faces rapid technological change, the most competitive talent is adaptable and committed to continuously building new skills.  

“As technology evolves and industries adapt, it is clear that the modern workforce requires a multi-dimensional approach to talent," said Gene Hayes, Senior Vice President of Regional Operations. "We are witnessing a fundamental shift where degrees and various short-form credentials, such as digital badges, certificates and microcredentials, are no longer competing for space on a resume. Instead, they work together to highlight a candidate's full potential.”

Regional Employers Expand Readiness Portfolios 

A closer look at the regional data suggests confidence in workforce preparation, and the value of degrees are rising together. Rather than replacing one signal with another, many employers are widening how they evaluate talent, giving them a clearer picture of whether a candidate is truly prepared to succeed.

• New York: 78% of employers say degrees remain important, while 91% view certificates as essential indicators of readiness. 
• Texas: 73% of employers value the degree, and 88% say certificates are a primary signal of workforce competency. 
• Florida and Illinois: More than 83% of employers in both regions say certificates are vital for enhancing a candidate’s credibility and job readiness. 

Across Maryland, D.C., Virginia, Georgia and Pennsylvania, employers report expanding the signals they rely on to ensure candidates can meet the technical demands of today’s workplace.  

AI is accelerating the “Yes, and” Hiring Shift   

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a major catalyst for this broader approach to hiring. Between 70% and 80% of employers across regions report that AI is already shaping the type of candidates they seek and the skills they prioritize. While some organizations are scaling back on traditional entry-level roles, overall demand is shifting towards workers with demonstrated skills and practical experience. 

• New York employers lead the nation, with 86% reporting that AI has fundamentally changed their hiring decisions.
• In the Southwest, nearly 45% of employers evaluate AI competency through hands-on experience with tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot. 
• Twenty-one percent of all employers nationwide say they are prioritizing candidates with AI-related certifications to validate technical fluency. 

Even as hiring practices shift, employers say the strongest candidates are those who bridge the gap between education and technical fluency. Increasingly, the most reliable signal of readiness is no longer a single credential, but a portfolio that combines a degree, hands-on experience, and a commitment to continuous upskilling.

To access the full Workforce Decoded regional reports, click the links below:

• DC, Virginia, and Maryland
  
• Florida
  
• Georgia
• Illinois
• New York
  
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
  
• Washington and Oregon
• Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico
• Texas

To view the full findings from WGU’s Workforce Decoded Report, visit here. 

About WGU’s Workforce Decoded Report 

WGU’s Workforce Decoded Report is based on findings from a national survey conducted by Centiment on behalf of WGU between September 30 and October 15, 2025. A total of 3,147 U.S.-based respondents completed the online survey, and participants represented organizations of varying sizes across a range of industries and regions.