Employers across Virginia are demanding more of workers, and that’s changing the job market.
Back in 1991, about one third of young workers could get a job right out of high school — no bachelor's degree, no specialized training. Today that number is down to one sixth.
Spencer Shanholtz is a research analyst at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at UVA, and he says two thirds of entry level jobs now require some kind of training beyond high school.
“Among many factors, one primary reason is upscaling," he says. "Employers are demanding a higher level of skills from workers. And most Americans need to come out of high school or come into the workforce with a deeper knowledge in their field.”
Fields like health sciences, human services and information technology — industries where high-school graduates with specialized training can get a job without a bachelor’s degree.
Shanholtz says that means colleges and universities might need to think outside the box.
“This can include different pathways like certificates, badges, shortened programs, night classes," Shanholtz explains. "Things along those lines to increase opportunity for these low-skilled workers to obtain these middle-skill jobs.”
Many middle-wage jobs have been moved offshore or automated. That’s only increased the demand for skills and training, leaving many people who don’t have an education beyond high school earning low wages.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
