Individual Learning Account Pilot Initiative
A Learning Tool for the 21st Century
ON THE HORIZON
From the vantage point of a comprehensive review of all the ILA pilots,
it is clear that ILAs have great untapped potential. Of particular importance
is the fact that two pilot agencies did not use funding as a resource
to implement ILAs. These agencies' pilots demonstrated how official
time and learning activities requiring no additional funding were used
to address specific agency needs. There are also other possible resources
not requiring additional funds that were not investigated in this pilot
initiative such as employee use of surplus Government personal computer
(PC) equipment at home to complete online programs or agency developed
programs accessible through remote access or by compact disc (CD).
The recommendations of the participating agencies leave little doubt
that ILAs are a viable Federal workforce development tool for the 21st
Century. Yet the creativity and versatility of the ILA pilot plans implemented
by this group are only a small sample of the flexibility available to
agencies Governmentwide. The capability to shape ILA use to the specific
needs of each agency provides extensive possibilities as a workforce
development and learning tool.We believe if used widely and effectively,
a learning account for individuals (ILA) can significantly help in our
struggle to attract and retain skilled workers.