Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/725997
September, 2016 l Working World l WorkingWorld.com 11 of $4,000 to $19,000 more per year than people with associate's degrees in the humanities. 2. BETTER JOB PROSPECTS AND EMPLOYABILITY Here's an eye-opening statistic: Seven out of 10 people in the U.S. workforce do not have a bachelor's degree. But that's because most jobs don't require a four- year education. In fact, many of the most reliable jobs only require two years or less of formal vocational training. Today, it's all about skills—the practical application of knowledge. Employers want to know what you can do, not just what you can think. As a result, trade and technical skills are among some of the world's most marketable commodities. And the reality is that, for many occupations, the only way to acquire the skills and qualifications that get you noticed is to complete a career-driven program. Just take a look at these facts: According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 14 of the 20 fastest- growing occupations only require an associate's degree or less. And 18 of the 20 occupations projected to have the most new jobs by 2020 have the same minimal requirements. By 2020, about 55 million job openings could be created. Of those, about three out of 10 will require only a two-year degree or some college. Despite those facts, a lot of employers say that they have trouble finding qualified workers with the right skills. It seems that, in some fields, too few students are pursuing the short but focused training options that lead to the above opportunities. Here are just a few examples of sectors facing a shortage of workers in the U.S., which means they give you more opportunity to benefit from getting industry-specific skills: Healthcare—About 18 million people are already employed in this sector. But another 5 million job openings are expected by 2022. And eight out of 10 of them will require at least some post- secondary training. Some of the fastest- growing vocations include nursing, pharmacy technology, sonography, and occupational therapy. But don't forget that the healthcare industry also needs a lot of business and IT professionals. Energy—By 2020, more than 60 percent of this sector's labor force could need to be replaced. In the area of shale energy (i.e., natural gas) alone, as many as 1.7 million permanent jobs could be created. And solar energy is also on the rise with the potential creation of almost 300,000 new jobs by 2030. These industries will need skilled tradespeople in areas like HVAC technology, welding, electrician work, and construction management. Information technology—Employment in this field is projected to grow by 18 percent through the year 2022, and most of the jobs will require some vocational education at a minimum. But the income potential is what really stands out. On average, IT workers earn more than double the average U.S. salary ($76,000 compared to $35,000). They include tech pros in areas like web development, software programming, and network administration. 3. A FASTER, MORE CONVENIENT PATH TO A CAREER Programs at vocational colleges and trade schools tend to take less time to complete than those at other institutions. In fact, many are designed to last from only a few months to two years at the most. But even the ones that award higher credentials like bachelor's degrees tend to be more streamlined and focused than what you'll find at many traditional places of higher learning. And the programs often aren't just short; they can also be quite flexible. Many vocational schools cater to working adults who need the option of attending class at night or even online from home. Plus, a lot of them include externships in their programs for real-world, on-the-job practice before graduation. It's all meant to help students enter their fields as working professionals as quickly as possible. 4. RESPECT AND CREDIBILITY Part of the value of higher education is that earning a degree or other type of credential shows your ability to stick to something. That's why college and vocational school graduates are often taken more seriously than those with only a secondary education. 5. ENHANCED CONFIDENCE, ENGAGEMENT, AND HEALTH Completing a college or trade school program means that you've faced a big opportunity head-on—and succeeded. The result is that you feel more confident and have more ability to turn your thoughts into action. In fact, people with a post- secondary education tend to be more engaged citizens, get more opportunities to learn new things, and take better care of their health. For example, just look at these numbers from 2012: Over 40 percent of college graduates with a four-year degree—and almost 30 percent of those with at least some college—were active volunteers in their communities (compared to 17 percent for those who only finished high school). More than 55 percent of bachelor's degree holders (or above)—and 44 percent of people with at least some postsecondary education—strongly agreed that their jobs allow them to keep learning (compared to 32 percent for high school graduates). Among people aged 25 to 34, almost 70 percent of those with bachelor's degrees or higher—and 56 percent of those with an associate's degree—performed vigorous exercise at least once a week (compared to 40 percent for those with just a high- school education). 6. CONNECTIONS Networking in college means meeting people who share your interests. If fact, many people say that school is where they made some of their best lifelong friends. Plus, a lot of schools host networking events with potential employers. And since many instructors are active professionals in their fields, they are often able to help students find additional mentors or other people who can assist with their career development. 7. GREATER FLEXIBILITY AND MOBILITY Getting a higher education—especially a career-focused one—tends to result in having more options and possibilities open to you. It can enable you to get a lot more out of your life. And it can come in particularly handy when moving to a new location. Since you may not know anyone at first, your education can act as an important signal of your capabilities and value to potential new employers.