SkillsWave and Penn Foster Partner to Help Employers Build Career-Ready Talent

Penn Foster programs join SkillsWave’s Learning Network, expanding flexible, skill-based pathways for working adults

[KITCHENER, ON & PHOENIX, AZ January 19, 2026]

SkillsWave, the upskilling company dedicated to helping organizations unlock the full potential of their workforce, announced today that education provider Penn Foster has joined SkillsWave’s Learning Network. With more than 70 learning providers, the network enables employers to offer affordable, flexible education pathways aligned to evolving workforce needs.

Employers are navigating a tightening labor market marked by rising job openings, declining labor force participation, and a growing need for post-secondary credentials. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, job openings have increased while the number of unemployed workers has declined, and Georgetown University estimates that 4.6 million experienced workers will retire between 2024 and 2032 without equally credentialed replacements, intensifying the need for scalable, employer-aligned upskilling solutions.

For more than a century, Penn Foster has provided career-focused diploma, certificate, and degree programs across healthcare, skilled trades, business, and technology. Through the partnership with SkillsWave, Penn Foster’s extensive catalog of career-aligned programs will be available to employees through corporate learning pathways designed for the realities of busy working adults.

“Penn Foster has helped millions of learners build careers and change their lives by providing accessible, job-relevant education,” said Nick Oddson, President of SkillsWave. “By bringing their programs into SkillsWave’s catalog, we’re giving employers another trusted way to close skills gaps, retain talent, and invest in long-term workforce growth.”

Penn Foster is a leading online education provider that allows adults to learn on their own schedules while still receiving the support they need to succeed. Its programs emphasize applied, hands-on learning that supports both workforce entry and ongoing upskilling. For employers, this model delivers a cost-effective and scalable way to provide employees with the skills they need in today’s rapidly changing workforce.

“We are thrilled to partner with SkillsWave to extend the reach of our programs to more organizations and working professionals,” said Kermit Cook, CEO of Penn Foster Group. “Together, we’re helping employers offer practical, flexible education pathways that support career advancement while strengthening their workforce for the future.”

About Penn Foster

Penn Foster is a leading provider of online, career-focused education for learners seeking flexible pathways to high school completion and careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare and veterinary care. A pioneer in accessible education for more than a century, Penn Foster has helped generations of learners build practical skills and earn credentials aligned with workforce needs. Founded in 1890, Penn Foster focuses on creating pathways to greater economic mobility through real-world, in-demand skills designed to support long-term success in a rapidly evolving job market. Learn more at pennfoster.edu.

About SkillsWave

SkillsWave exists to empower people and businesses through learning—transforming today’s workforce into tomorrow’s competitive advantage. By aligning high-impact education with organizational goals, SkillsWave helps employers build the skills their teams need to succeed in a changing world. Its global education network delivers measurable growth for learners, businesses, and the economy. To learn more, visit SkillsWave.com.

Media Contacts

SkillsWave
Jacki Ross
Senior Director, Marketing
pr@skillswave.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skillswave

Penn Foster
Lauren Stash
Director of Communications
Lauren.Stash@pennfoster.edu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/pennfostergroup/