Removing Barriers: A Case for Skills-Based Hiring in Wyoming

Wyoming's workforce is changing, but many state hiring practices have not kept pace. Across public agencies, degree requirements are often used as a default screening tool, even for positions where the work can be performed just as effectively through experience, certifications, military service, or on-the-job training. In a state with a large rural population and an aging workforce, these requirements can unnecessarily narrow the hiring pool and limit opportunity for capable Wyoming residents.

This report, authored by Wyoming Liberty Leaders intern Courtney Beene, examines how skills-based hiring can strengthen Wyoming's public workforce without lowering standards or expanding bureaucracy. Drawing on examples from other states and focusing on practical, incremental reforms, the report outlines ways Wyoming can preserve professional and safety requirements while removing barriers that do not improve job performance. The goal is straightforward: ensure state hiring practices value competence, experience, and accountability, while keeping opportunities open to qualified Wyomingites.