Cengage

I spent time with our customers at the American Association Of Cosmetology Schools Conference - one of the largest events for beauty and wellness education - and couldn’t be more proud of the Cengage Work team for launching our new licensure test prep product for the beauty and wellness sector, CIMA ExamReady, by Milady. The trades are critical to the economy of tomorrow. Beauty and wellness alone represent one of America’s largest and fastest-growing skilled trades. It fuels billions in economic activity and creating pathways to entrepreneurship and financial independence. Yet, it remains a sector that’s perennially underinvested, even amid all the attention on “skills gaps” you might see on the business shows and CEO interviews. We’re committed to changing that - investing in new products that help people build and sustain meaningful careers in the trades. For many learners, passing a state licensure exam is a major hurdle into entering the industry - especially for those who don’t thrive in high-pressure testing environments. Our new solution, CIMA ExamReady, is designed to help more learners cross that threshold with confidence. It delivers personalized, state-specific practice aligned to the Candidate Information Bulletins (CIBs), so students can focus on the topics that matter most and build true exam readiness. This launch is also a testament to the team’s speed and customer obsession - moving from concept to launch in just three months. And it’s more than a product; it’s a commitment to helping learners succeed on their first attempt, removing barriers to employment and strengthening the pipeline of future beauty professionals. Incredible work, team. A proud moment for Cengage Work’s Milady team and for the future of trades education. Learn more about CIMA ExamReady and how it’s helping students prepare with clarity: https://lnkd.in/eCH8RiT2 #WorkforceDevelopment #TradesEducation #SkillsTraining

Each year, millions of learners graduate with the hope of launching their careers—but too many find themselves stuck at the starting line. In my latest piece for Forbes, I explore the growing disconnect between educators, employers and graduates—and why shared accountability is essential to solving the career readiness crisis. 📊 Our latest Graduate Employability Report reveals: - 48% of recent grads feel unqualified for entry-level roles - Only 30% believe their education prepared them for the job market - And yet, 89% of educators say their students are ready This misalignment is leaving learners behind—and eroding trust in the value of education itself. It’s time for a new approach. One where: ✅ Educators embed career readiness into the curriculum ✅ Employers partner directly with schools to shape programs and expand internships ✅ Policymakers support scalable solutions that connect education to employment The future of workforce development depends on collaboration. Let’s stop asking who is responsible—and start recognizing that we all are. 📖 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/ehwC7maa #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerReadiness #EducationToEmployment #FutureOfWork #CengageGroup #Leadership #ForbesBusinessCouncil

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