Industry News
Many Employers Want Less Than a Four-Year Degree
There are alternatives to the four-year college degree and many industries are making an effort to encourage people
to consider them.
"Unfortunately, there is a long-standing cultural bias in our country to prepare students for a four-year college
education, wrote Ronald D. Bullock, chairman of the Illinois Manufacturers Association and owner of Bison Gear &
Engineering in a Crain's Chicago Business Opinion column on March 10, 2008. "But not every high school graduate wants
to go to college, nor does every rewarding career require a four-year degree."
Bullock refers to "middle-skill" occupations ranging from entry-level manufacturing to nursing and electrical work.
These jobs areas are facing serious shortages due to retiring baby boomers. "In manufacturing alone," writes Bullock,
"nearly seven million employees – half the manufacturing workforce – will retire in the next few years."
A study by the Urban Institute, a non-partisan Washington think tank, reports that nearly half of the job openings
over the next seven years will require more than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year degree.
Because of this projected shortage, many industries are working with community colleges to develop certificate and
associate degree programs. Joliet Junior College and the College of DuPage are notable examples.
"Much of our post-secondary educational and financial aid policies were designed for baby boomers," writes Bullock.
"but…[the] labor market demand for employees with associate degrees is outpacing demand for all other educational
levels."
To learn more about Joliet Junior College's manufacturing and technical education opportunities, e-mail
jgiunta@jjc.edu.
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