One key to thriving in a competitive global economy is a properly skilled workforce that can innovate, create new products and services, and bring them to market quickly and efficiently. America remains a leader in innovation, but its workforce is falling behind. Education and workforce development systems have not kept pace with the demands of the 21st century, and we all bear the costs of this failure. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2012 report on the skills gap reviews the issues and solutions discussed at regional forums of business and community leaders. Full Report

As jobs that require only high school or less have disappeared, postsecondary education and training on the job and in schools have become the gateways to the middle class. Most postsecondary education and training discussions focus on the baccalaureate pathway, but there has been an increasing interest in so-called “middle jobs.” These are jobs that require education and training beyond high school but less than a
Bachelor’s degree, and secure middle-class earnings.

A recent report by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce lists high wage "middle" occupations and the five major pathways at the subbaccalaureate level that are most often required for entry: employer-based training, industry-based certifications, apprenticeships, postsecondary certificates, and Associate’s degrees. 

Read more about these occupations and training options...