Survey Higher Education Required for Future Jobs

Survey Higher Education Required for Future Jobs A new joint survey from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Achieve, a nonprofit dedicated to improving education standards, revealed that technical and educational requirements are increasing across job categories. The results were based on the responses of 4,695 HR professionals in nine industries. It was released Oct. 3 during SHRMs annual strategy conference more than 500 HR executives attended the conference, which took place in Palm Springs, Calif.Other findings includedCompared with 10 years ago51 percent said more jobs with specific technical requirements exist today 26 percent said more STEM-related jobs45 percent said increased employee diversity and 46 percent said only a higher education level required for most jobs31 percent predicted fewer entry-level jobs Looking ahead three to five yearsHR professionals expect even j obs with specific technical requirements60 percent STEM-related jobs31 percent increased employee diversity 50 percent and simply a higher education level required for most jobs 49 percent30 percent predicted even less entry-level jobsHR professionals said they believed education and training are key in correcting the job skills mismatch. Training includes post-secondary certificate programs, highly job-specific training and employer-sponsored professional development. Education includes training as well as bachelors degrees, associates degrees and advanced degrees.This survey reinforces the importance of having strong K-12 and postsecondary education systems that provide all students with the knowledge and skills they need to access, and succeed in the careers of their choice, said Sandy Boyd, Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Achieve. Its clear that the world has changed and employers are demanding more education and skills from employees than ever before. All students deserve a meaningful and rigorous academic experience that will prepare them for college, careers and life.Compared with 10 years ago, respondents said health (54 percent), manufacturing (52 percent), state/local government (48 percent), and the federal government (46 percent) are the industries most likely to report higher education requirements today.