Yesterday… :
Yesterday… Workers spent their entire careers with one employer.
Most jobs were unskilled and didn’t require much in the way of formal education.
Manufacturing jobs were very common, paid well and required only a high school diploma.
College degrees almost guaranteed a high-paying job.
A high school education was enough to obtain a good job with livable wages.
Many workers saw technical schools as catering to the less academically inclined students, and gave no real advantage over a high school diploma.
Today… :
Today… On average, workers will change jobs about seven times during their careers.
Nearly 80 percent of all jobs require some sort of postsecondary training.
Manufacturing is becoming increasingly driven by advanced science and technology, and the industry has a growing need for a workforce with the right skills.
Employers are demanding specific skills and experience in addition to college or postsecondary schooling.
Employers often require training beyond high school – either through college or technical schools.
Skilled jobs requiring less than a bachelor’s degree comprise almost half of today’s job market.
In the Future… :
In the Future… Revolutions in technology will cause rapid and unpredictable changes in career demands.
High-tech workers will need to return to school to learn new skills.
Manufacturing will shift from mass production to flexible production.
Workers will need an even wider range of skills than today.
The key to successfully landing jobs will be developing a portfolio of transferable skills.
The worker who is prepared to engage in continuing education, both on and off the job, will have the economic advantage in the workplace.
Traditional skilled trades, such as automechanics, plumbers, electricians, and dental hygienists will still be in demand.