From Grades to Growth: LERs Capture the Full Learner Journey

Learning and Employment Records (LERs) are essential in today’s education and workforce landscape. They offer a complete, portable, and skills-based view of a learner’s journey—far beyond what a traditional transcript can capture.

LERs connect academic data with real-world competencies. They show not just what courses were taken but what skills were gained, what credentials were earned, and how each experience contributes to a learner’s readiness for work, further education, or personal growth.

A transcript lists grades and credit hours. An LER tells the full story. It pulls in transcript data, then layers in achievements from across the learning ecosystem—badges, certifications, experiential learning, internships, and more.

The result is a richer, clearer view of what a learner knows and can do.

This isn’t theoretical. Institutions are already using Territorium’s LifeJourney credentialing ecosystem to build Learning and Employment Records that reflect the full scope of student learning, capturing skills, credentials, and real-world experiences in one comprehensive record that grows with the learner.

The power of the LER lies in its ability to bring fragmented information together. For advisors, it becomes a tool for personalized guidance. For academic leaders, it helps demonstrate the impact of programs. For students, it creates momentum and clarity in their journey.

It also meets a growing demand from employers, who are increasingly seeking validated, skills-based evidence. The LER bridges the gap between higher education and the job market, making it easier to see how a student’s learning translates into workforce potential.

Importantly, this isn’t about disruption for its own sake. The transcript still has a role, but its impact expands when its data flows into an LER. LERs are interoperable, portable, and designed to center the learner. Institutions become partners in student success, enabling individuals to own, use, and share their verified achievements across education and employment.

LERs also support lifelong learning. They follow the learner beyond graduation, updating as new skills are acquired. This creates an ongoing record that can adapt to career shifts, upskilling efforts, and future education.

Institutions that implement Learning Experience Reforms (LERs) position themselves at the forefront of education’s evolution. They demonstrate leadership in student outcomes, digital transformation, and workforce relevance—all while preserving the integrity of their academic systems.

As education and employment continue to converge, learners need more than proof of completion. They need a record that reflects their capabilities. LERs make that possible by telling the whole story.

The future of student success will be written in skills, experiences, and outcomes. With LERs, institutions are ready to lead that future confidently and completely.