Learning plays vital role in work force

Pasadena Star News

By: Cynthia Kurtz

Posted: 3/05/2014 

The San Gabriel Valley recently had a great celebration prompted by two events - the return of Dr. Steve Morgan, former President of the University of La Verne, to the SGV as President of the University of the West and the successful opening of Pasadena City College's (PCC) satellite campus in Rosemead. 

But it wasn't just about celebrating these events. The master of ceremonies, former Assemblyman and current Los Angeles Community College Trustee, Mike Eng said it best - we were there to "stand up for education." 

No one would dispute that there is a direct link between education, employment and income. Recent data suggests that these relationships are becoming more important.

Even at the depths of the recession, the unemployment rate for people with college degrees never exceeded five percent. Those fortunate enough to have some college education had an unemployment rate of seven and a half percent. For high school graduates unemployment was around 10 percent. Anyone without a high school diploma faced a daunting unemployment rate of 15 percent - three times higher than someone with a college degree.

Education also effects earning power. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012, someone with an associate degree could expect to make 85 percent more that someone without a high school diploma. 

But it isn't just about years of training and money. It is also important to match employment training to the requirements of the jobs being created.

History provides the perspective we need to understand the future. In 1960, 20 percent of the available jobs required a four-year degree, 20 percent required an associate degree or some technical training, and 60 percent were considered unskilled positions requiring no formal training or education. You simply learned on the job.

Recently, the Harvard Graduate School of Education studied the educational requirement for positions that will be available in 2018. They found radical shifts in what employers are looking for in their workforces. 

In 2018, 33 percent of jobs will require four-year college degrees, 66 percent will require technical skills, credentials or associate degrees. Unskilled labor - 1 percent.

The study reinforces what we already know. Employers are not seeking persons who do not possess skills. Everyone needs to bring something to a job - writing, computer skills, math, problem solving - every job requires a "skilled" employee. The world moves too quickly to learn it all "on the job."

2018 is just four years away. The recovery of our economy depends on educating the future work force. The future of the San Gabriel Valley depends on educating our future workforce.