Who is Going to do the Work?

America’s decades-long prioritization of the 4-year degree has pushed a new generation away from the skilled trades. What can industries that need skilled-trade workers do about it?

who

2 M

college-age students are unemployed with no college education 

If and when we experience an economic
slowdown, the demand for these jobs should continue because:


A. There is already a significant worker
shortage.
B. Such jobs provide a core set of functions that will be in demand regardless of an up or down economy.

74% 


The 4-year degree path may not be for everyone.

Businesses that rely on the skilled trades must engage this audience because high school and college-age students could feel pressure to get a 4-year degree and could very well go that route if they aren’t introduced to solid alternatives.

Key Insights

53%

of students feel pressure to get a bachelor’s degree vs trade school or associate’s degree

66%

of students strongly agree or agree with the statement:

The decision to go to college is as much about the college experience as it is getting a degree.

43%

of students said the primary concern they had about community colleges and associate degrees or certificates was physical labor

who

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