With the United States economy adding more than 500,000 jobs across nearly every sector in July, new research suggests that education isn't as important as a candidate's skills are.
The research comes from The Burning Glass Institute, which has found that jobs requiring a four-year degree have steadily decreased over the last half-decade. A survey from the Harvard Business Review in April also found the same trend.
After analyzing more than 51 million job listings, researchers found that in 2017, 51% of open positions required a degree, but in 2021 only 44% did.
The trend seems to be going in the same direction. While speaking with "Morning in America," Shan Vanderziel, the executive director of the National Association of College and Employers, shared that some employers are looking to cut education requirements altogether.
"The employment market is booming," Vanderziel said. "So there are a record number of job openings, and the unemployment rate is really low. Employers are trying to find the competitive edge for this war on talent."
Vanderziel says that because of this, employers are looking for candidates based on their skills and competencies instead of "some artificial requirements."
Regarding what employers are looking for in lieu of a diploma, Vanderziel says problem-solving skills, analytical skills, and teamwork are the top three.
Some industries have had to cut the requirement because their standards made it impossible for them to hire employees
Airlines like Delta Air Lines announced earlier this summer their plan to make getting hired as a pilot a little easier, dropping the required four-year degree for potential hires.
Teacher shortages have also forced states and school districts to think outside the box. For example, in Florida, the Military Veterans Certification Pathway was passed, allowing veterans who meet specific requirements to obtain a temporary teaching license.
Along with having 48 months of service, the legislation also allows them to obtain a temporary teaching license with only 60 college credits or two years at most institutions.
With more than 10 million jobs open in June of this year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and only 5.7 million listed as unemployed, the growing number of openings could continue to see job requirements that were a standard last decade go out the window.
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