It is important to take into account that workers with higher levels of education tend to have greater earnings and lower unemployment rates than workers with lower levels of education. It is a hard economy and post-secondary education is going to play a vital role is securing good jobs for low-income adults and long-term unemployed workers. These individuals require access to effective post-secondary programs and training.
Profiles of adult workers in need of better skills and wages from all 50 states have been developed by COWS (Center on Wisconsin Strategy) and CLASP. The research reflects every state’s profile estimating the number of adult workers (ages 25-64) who are without two or four-year college degrees or has limited English skills and who make less than the state median wage or are in the labor force but have been employed for the last one year.
Career pathways are connected education and training services that make it possible for students to advance gradually to higher levels of education and employment in an industry or field of their choice. States have adopted Career pathways help adults and youth gain the postsecondary education and training they need for high demand and better-paying jobs.
The data in the profiles serves as a great resource for setting goals and designing policies and strategies to meet the unique requirements of this demographic that can be effectively used by policymakers and advocates. Developing strategies based on private and public funding sources, such as the Workforce Investment Act, Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, the Higher Education Act, and state and local funding should be the focus of policy makers. It is the need of the hour to address this issue and help more workers secure credentials and family-sustaining employment.
Please visit here for state profiles and data for all 50 states.
Kimaya Dixit, Communications & Marketing Manager