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This article discusses the ill-preparedness of the US workforce for the demands of the modern workplace and the importance of skills and credentials for economic success. It also highlights the specific skills needed for entry-level jobs and the need for lifelong learning. The article emphasizes the changing requirements of the economy and the need for higher education to obtain high-skilled, high-wage jobs.
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Workforce Development: Skills, Credentials and Economic Outcomes Lansing Davis, Ed.D. Senior Policy Analyst New JerseyState Employment and Training Commission June 2011
The future U.S. workforce is here—and it is woefully ill-prepared for the demands of today’s (and tomorrow’s) workplace. Are They Really Ready to Work? Employers’ Perspectives on the Basic Knowledge and Applied Skill of New Entrants to the 21st Century US Workforce, The Conference Board, 2006
Percentage of Adults in the US by NAAL Literacy Levels Source: National Assessment of Adult Literacy, 2003
US Census Bureau, 2008 American Community Survey, 1 year estimates.
T H E W O R K R E A D I N E S S P R O F I L E What New Workers in Entry Level Jobs Need to Be Able to Do New workers need to be able to use these EFF Skills… Communication Skills Speak So Others Can Understand Listen Actively Read With Understanding Observe Critically Interpersonal Skills Cooperate With Others Resolve Conflict and Negotiate Decision Making Skills Use Math to Solve Problems and Communicate Solve Problems and Make Decisions Lifelong Learning Skills Take Responsibility for Learning Use Information and Communications Technology well enough to successfully carry out these critical entry level tasks: Acquire, use and share information accurately and in a timely manner. Use appropriate technology to get the job done. Understand Systems. Monitor and Correct Performance. Work as part of a team to achieve goals and objectives. Work through conflict constructively. Provide direct, accurate and timely responses to customer questions and concerns. Take responsibility for completing one's own work accurately, on time, to a high standard of quality. Demonstrate integrity. Avoid absenteeism. Demonstrate promptness. Maintain appropriate grooming and hygiene. Manage time effectively. Cope with a work situation or tasks that change frequently. Identify actual or potential problems related to one's own work: report them, and help to fix them. Learn new/additional skills related to your job.
“Not long ago, postsecondary education was a privilege enjoyed by only a few. The economy did not require much more of our grandparents than a high school diploma. Many workers were able to get along well enough without even that. But today, the stakes are much higher. A high school diploma or GED may not be enough for many entry-level jobs and certainly does not provide an avenue to the high-skills/high-wage jobs of choice. Further, the evidence suggests that while our ability to compete internationally depends on the skills of our workforce and its ability to learn and adapt to new situations, the U.S. can no longer claim to be the world leader in education that it once was.” Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), Adult Learning in Focus National and State-by-State Data, 2008, http://www.cael.org/adultlearninginfocus.htm.
United States Ranking Among 20 High-Income Countries International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) Source: Kirsch, I, Braun, H, Yamamoto, K, America’s Perfect Storm: Three Forces Changing Our Nation’s Future, Educational Testing Service (ETS), 2007.
Occupational Educational 2 yr. & 4 Yr. Degrees Occupational/Industry Certifications Postsecondary Certificates Vocational Certifications GED or HS Diploma Work-Readiness Certification Work-Readiness Certification
Value-added Education Credential/ Degree
