The Future of Work Are Skills the New Degree?
Jul 23, 2024
Audrey McHale, a strategist at Opportunity at Work with a strong background in corporate advisory, dives into the evolving landscape of talent acquisition. She discusses how millions of job seekers without traditional degrees are opting for alternative credentials and gaining skills through on-the-job training. Audrey emphasizes the importance of skills-based hiring and dismantling degree requirements that shut capable applicants out. She advocates for innovative recruitment strategies and highlights the need for employers to recognize diverse career paths.
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Vast STARS Population
- Half of the 140 million American workers are STARS (Skilled Through Alternative Routes).
- This often overlooked group includes those with short-term credentials, military experience, or on-the-job training.
Degree Inflation
- Bachelor's degree requirements increased after the 2008 recession as a filtering mechanism.
- Re-examining this practice is crucial for effective talent acquisition.
College: A Bridge, Not a Drawbridge
- Expand opportunities beyond the four-year degree, recognizing it as one path, not the only path.
- Encourage diverse routes like apprenticeships and trades, considering interests and affordability.