Even before the economic inflation of the past few years, the costs associated with a college education had been spiraling upwards for some time, and we’ve seen a renewed debate over whether the benefits of that diploma outweigh the price tag. The answer, of course, depends on the individual, the field of study and other factors, but many students are seeking alternative paths to their first career.
On the hiring end of the equation, many employers are de-emphasizing the degree in favor of the actual skill sets possessed by applicants. Meanwhile, skilled trade fields not traditionally associated with a college degree, like construction and manufacturing, are having trouble filling empty positions.
There is still value in having a degree, however, and a number of creative programs have been launched to address this scenario. Businesses and colleges are increasingly collaborating, not to short-circuit the idea of getting a diploma, but to make sure the path to graduation includes real-world, in-demand skills.
Companies including ExxonMobil, Chrysler and Boeing have all launched community college boot camps covering topics from airplanes and drones to automotive technology. The benefits are clear: Students know they’re learning skills that are needed, and companies are helping to fill the pipeline of qualified candidates. Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has established similar programs all over the country, with a focus on digital marketing skills.
In the commercial design space, one of our vendor partners has teamed up with a local manufacturing alliance to offer scholarships, apprenticeships and training classes. Local enrollment in related programs has more than tripled over a three-year period. Other programs focus not on technical skills, but on the soft skills every employee needs in the workplace, like communication, problem solving and critical thinking.
The vast majority of new employees report a feeling of being lost in their first year on the job. For many, it’s their first time in a professional workplace. Office design can help. As we’ve mentioned many times, flexible workplaces deliver benefits for employees of all ages, but especially for those just starting out. To that end, some employers are taking design inspiration from college campuses to further smooth the transition.
In the end, all these programs are not about doing something instead of college. They’re about collaborating to make sure colleges are delivering the training employers need candidates to have, so everybody wins. Students come away with more marketable skill sets, and employers benefit from a pool of candidates who are better prepared to come in and make a difference right away.
Questions about preparing students for success? Contact Douron.