Working Forward: Unregulated

For many Arizona workers, the path to career advancement runs through certifications, trade schools and tech bootcamps. But with so many options — often costly, confusing and unregulated — figuring out which credentials are credible and which are scams can feel overwhelming. The wrong choice can leave students deep in debt with little to show for it, while the right certification can open doors to lasting career success.

In this “Working Forward” episode, host Kathleen Bade takes a closer look at the complex world of credentialing programs and the challenges facing job seekers who want to gain new skills. The conversation focuses on how workers can identify legitimate certification pathways that align with real job opportunities, while avoiding predatory programs that exploit ambition without delivering results.

The discussion is inspired by the WorkingNation documentary “Unregulated,” which follows a lawyer determined to expose fraudulent credentialing practices and push for better transparency in the system. The film highlights both the risks and the urgent need for reform in the rapidly expanding training and certification marketplace.

Hear powerful stories, including the story of a local student who was scammed by a misleading program, as well as insights from an HR specialist who explains what employers actually look for when evaluating certifications. The episode also features the directors of the film, who share what they uncovered in their investigation of the credentialing industry.

Also, the rapidly changing economic landscape is leading to new discussions about the value of a traditional four-year degree, and more interest in alternative options that focus on career-readiness. Learn more about short-term bootcamps, student protections and the importance of informed decisions in education and training by Aaron Ament, a former federal higher education official and legal expert.