The Changing Needs of the American Workforce

1

The Changing Needs of the
American Workforce
2
Clarification of Previous Chart

• PROFESSIONAL
• Baccalaureate Professional
• Degree Required
• SKILLED
• Certificate
• Apprenticeship
• Possible Associates Degree
• UNSKILLED
• High School Diploma

3
4-Year Bachelors Degree
Certificate, Apprenticeship, Associates Degree
High School Diploma
20
4
The Changing Nature of Work
5
Of High School Students Planning To Attend
College
94
6
Of High School Graduates Not Earning Bachelors
Degrees
75
7
Of College Graduates In Jobs Not Requiring
College Degrees
28-35
8
Of Community College Students Holding 4-year
College Degrees
30
9
Of 18-24 Year Olds In U.S. Earning Minimum Wage
43
28
10
Post-Secondary Plans of Kent Co. Students
Results of the Student Survey, Kent County, June
1997, Grand Rapids Public Schools.
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How Education Boosts Your Bottom LineAverage
gross weekly salary for U.S. Workers with
various levels of education (1994 Bureau of Labor
Statistics)
12
Family Wage

• Through the 1960s, a single production worker
  with a high school diploma could earn enough to
  support a spouse and child, buy a car and own a
  home.
• Today, it takes two earners, each with two years
  of college to achieve the same standard of
  living.