Starting in the 70s and 80s, it was engrained into American culture that having a successful career requires a college education.
This mentality often left trade schools and vocational programs with an uphill battle when it came to recruitment. Over the years, these schools have tried to attract more students to train for high-demand jobs that don’t required a four-year degree.
According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, 1 million job openings are expected in Indiana by 2025 and, of those, about 400,000 will be in high-wage, high-need fields. These industries include advanced manufacturing, agriculture, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business services, and transportation and logistics.
The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce recently partnered with JPMorgan Chase to study good-paying jobs that do not require a bachelor’s degree. Although the decline in the manufacturing economy has eliminated many jobs for high school graduates, the research shows that there are currently 30 million positions in the United States that pay well without a college degree. These jobs have a median annual salary of $55,000.
While the jobs of the manufacturing era only required a high school diploma or less, a growing number of high-wage jobs tend to require at least some postsecondary education and training.
Twenty-five years ago, a machinist position was a typical good manufacturing job paying $44,000 per year. Today, a computer support technician who makes $60,000 a year typifies jobs in skilled services not needing a bachelor’s degree, according to the study.
This shows that young adults can make a good living even if they don’t pursue a four-year college degree. Trade and vocational programs equivalent to an associate’s degree can ensure graduates make a comparable salary to their counterparts who spend more time in post-secondary education. Trade schools and vocational certificate programs add tens of thousands of dollars to a graduate’s salary each year.
Learn More Indiana, led by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, is a partnership to help Hoosiers of all ages complete education and training beyond high school. The website, www.learnmoreindiana.org, can help young adults learn about their options when it comes to post-secondary education. It even explains what specific careers require so participants can create a road map on how to get the job they want and the salary they need.
Please reach out to my office with questions or input at 317-232-9815 or by email at h30@iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
A high-resolution photo of Karickhoff can be downloaded by clicking here.
