H.R. 8183: Modernizing Access to Talents, Credentials, and Hiring Act of 2026

The Modernizing Access to Talents, Credentials, and Hiring Act of 2026, also known as the MATCH Act, seeks to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act with several key objectives aimed at improving access to employment opportunities and educational resources through the establishment of talent marketplaces. Here are the main components of the bill:

Establishment of Talent Marketplaces

The bill defines a "talent marketplace" as an array of platforms that allows individuals to find employment and learning opportunities. These platforms facilitate connections between:

• Job seekers
• Employers
• Education and training providers
• Students
• Others interested in career development

These marketplaces will incorporate user-provided information, including education and training backgrounds, employment history, and qualifications. They will also include:

• A credential registry that outlines the skills and competencies associated with various credentials.
• A skills profile generator that helps users create a profile of their skills for better job matching.

Workforce Data Quality Initiative

The bill introduces a workforce data quality initiative which establishes a grant program to assist states in building their workforce data systems and talent marketplaces. This initiative aims to:

• Improve the overall quality of workforce programs
• Enhance decision-making based on evidence
• Meet performance reporting requirements
• Protect user privacy
• Increase transparency regarding labor market trends and job skill requirements

States and consortia of state agencies will qualify for grants if they demonstrate a need for improved data systems. Priority will be given to those that have not previously received grants for similar purposes and that show capacity for impactful implementation.

Transparency and Accessibility

The bill also mandates that states provide information about available services and talent marketplaces through an easily navigable website. This information must be:

• Consumer-tested for ease of understanding
• Searchable and user-friendly
• Available without revealing personal information of users

Support for Developing Talent Marketplaces

Provisions are included for states to receive assistance in establishing talent marketplaces. This aims to enhance collaboration among states and between public and private sectors in building interoperable data systems that facilitate better workforce data management.

Examples of Grant Use

Eligible entities receiving grants will be able to use funds for activities such as:

• Developing or enhancing state workforce longitudinal data systems
• Research and information improvement initiatives
• Creating or enhancing talent marketplaces
• Implementing security measures for data handling

Reporting and Oversight

Entities that receive these grants are required to submit detailed reports on their activities and the improvements made in workforce data usage upon conclusion of the funding period.

Relevant Companies

• MSFT - Microsoft: Microsoft, through its cloud services and artificial intelligence offerings, could play a role in supporting the technologies used in talent marketplaces.
• ADBE - Adobe: Adobe’s tools for digital record-keeping and skills assessments could be useful in the development of learning and employment records.
• CRM - Salesforce: Salesforce's customer relationship management software may be integrated to facilitate employer and job-seeker interactions in talent marketplaces.