Research has shown that poverty and lack of education put Americans at greater risk of unemployment and underemployment. In addition, a lowered level of economic opportunity translates into greatly diminished earnings potential, little career advancement and lack of educational attainment. A study from Georgetown University shows that workers who have suffered the most from the recession are those with a high school education or less educational background. Not only did this group lose millions of jobs when the recession began, it has continued to worsen during the sluggish recovery. Industries like manufacturing, construction and transportation, where many of the jobs don’t necessarily require advanced degrees, have all experienced sharp job losses since the recession started. The Associated Press reported that those who’ve lost their jobs during the recession are finding that they no longer qualify for jobs in their old fields because employers are demanding more skills for each new hire. Nearly 20 percent of the 15,000 people served by Goodwill annually in the Charlotte metro area lack a GED or high school diploma. They come to Goodwill seeking to gain a foothold in an evolving job market. Having a high school degree or more seems especially important when the unemployment rate is high. But with education costs rising annually, it is no easy task for an unemployed individual to afford the steep price of educating oneself. Thanks to Goodwill’s partnership with Central Piedmont Community College, there are many free or affordable resources available that can provide jobseekers with the education necessary in the new economy. The General Educational Development (GED) Preparation Program offers students an opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass a high school equivalency tests and earn a high school equivalency diploma. Goodwill career counselors also help participants navigate a variety of accessible courses designed to keep candidates informed and up to speed on the ever-evolving job market. Our years of experience helping people find family-sustaining employment leads us to believe that there is much that can be done to get companies the skilled workers they need to grow through smart, targeted partnerships to equip workers with the skills and education they need.
What role has education played in your job search?
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