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New Jersey will prioritize skills training and work experience over college degree requirements for certain jobs in the state, According to the April 10 announcement From Governor Phil Murphy’s office.
The New Jersey Civil Service Commission will now define job classifications that require a college degree and determine which ones fall under the new skills-prioritization scheme. The goal is to open the door to high-paying jobs, with salaries that could exceed $120,000 a year.
“Every American should have the ability to get a good job with growth opportunities and secure their place in the middle class, regardless of whether or not they have a college degree,” Murphy said in the statement.
“Employment qualifications for well-paying positions in a state’s workforce should not exclude individuals with qualified experience, unique skill sets, and diverse backgrounds,” he said. “Today, we are opening the door to this opportunity for applicants across our state, and we urge other states, as well as private employers, to remove barriers to opportunity.”
Executive Order No. 327 It will become effective immediately, starting with a six-month period to allow the Civil Service Commission to identify non-degree positions and ensure job postings are in line with demand.
New Jersey joins a growing list of states that are deprioritizing college degrees for employment. In mid-December, the state of Utah announced that a bachelor’s degree would do no longer required For most state jobs, which this year was quickly followed by announcements from PennsylvaniaAnd AlaskaAnd Maryland. Colorado and North Carolina have made similar plans, too.
He also called on private sector employers to focus more on job-based skills training, practical work experience, and alternative certification programs. More than half of mid-skill jobs do not require a four-year degree. According to the latest research Shared with HR Dive. Alternatively, job descriptions that focus on skill-specific requirements can attract a more diverse and prepared workforce.
As employers in the public and private sectors make announcements and begin to adapt their practices, several roadblocks may arise. Companies should update job postings, expand the hiring process and interview committees, and shift the onboarding process to focus on skills. Leaders will also need to It transcends an outdated mentality around degrees and become more familiar with credentials and alternative forms of skills-based training.
Despite the challenges, some employers are really making an effort. In recent years, the Cleveland Clinic has Take a skills-first approacheliminated some four-year degree requirements, created skill-based career paths, launched apprenticeship programs, revised more than 260 job descriptions, and reformulated more than 2,000 positions to accommodate better hiring practices.