Junior Achievement Launches It’s First Industry Recognized Credential

Author: Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Published: Thursday, 02 Oct 2025

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Image caption: Enter an image captionStudents participating in JA Essential Skills for Work gain hands-on experience in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving—skills that employers say matter most for long-term career success..

Employers across every industry consistently say the same thing: technical knowledge may get you hired, but employability skills are what help you thrive. Communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability are no longer “nice-to-have” extras, they are essential for long-term career success.

That is the focus of the new JA Essential Skills for Work program and its accompanying Industry-Recognized Credential (IRC), designed to prepare high school and postsecondary students for the realities of today’s workplace. This credential has been recently added to the Iowa Department of Education’s Approved List of Industry-Recognized Credentials, giving students the opportunity to develop critical employability skills while earning recognition that is valued by employers and higher education institutions.

Learning by Doing: Inside the Workplace Experience

As part of the program and credential, students step into the role of interns at a fictional company, Orbit Boom. Rather than simply read about workplace skills, they experience them first-hand:

Decision-Making: weighing communication platforms and defending choices with persuasive reasoning.
Team Collaboration: planning company-wide virtual meetings.
Conflict Resolution: role-playing real workplace disagreements.
Creativity & Innovation: brainstorming and developing new product ideas.
Problem-Solving & Crisis Management: identifying the root causes of declining sales and strengthening contingency plans.

Why Employability Skills Matter More Than Ever

In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, technical skills can change quickly as industries adapt to new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). But employability skills remain constant and transferable across careers. Consider the following:

Engaging communication allows professionals to share ideas clearly and build trust with teams and clients.
Cultural agility ensures employees can thrive in diverse workplaces.
Self-direction empowers individuals to take initiative and manage their own growth.
Creativity and critical thinking spark innovation, the very fuel businesses need to stay competitive.

Building Career-Ready Graduates

JA Essential Skills for Work doesn’t stop with workplace simulations. Students also gain access to supplemental resources on career development that includes resumes, interviews, and personal branding. AI literacy modules that prepare them to responsibly use emerging technologies were also added to the list of available resources.

By the end of the program, participants can earn JA’s Essential Skills for Work, Industry Recognized Credential (IRC), a valuable signal to employers and colleges that they’ve developed competencies beyond the classroom.

The future of work belongs to those who can adapt, think critically, and collaborate effectively. Programs like JA Essential Skills for Work help bridge the gap between school and career by empowering students with the human skills that employers consistently value most.

If you, or your organization, are interested in learning more -or may consider providing unique opportunities for students who earn the credential, please email Workforce@JAEasternIowa.org.