Oops, Too Many Degrees
When we make it seem that everyone needs a college degree, three things happen:
1) We devalue college degrees. If everyone has one, how do we know who is exceptional in a certain area? How can candidates prove they have taken steps and beyond to gain their skills/knowledge?
2) We devalue expertise. If we’re only looking for a degree, what happens to those who have put in their time and learned on the job?
3) Trades that don’t need degrees (but rather require apprenticeships or on-the-job training) become devalued. Do you not need front-line workers? People, especially those considering future careers, want a position that will be respected and even admired by their peers and family. If we only value those that require degrees, we will push workers away from non-degree fields.
We need people to work in all kinds of fields and all kinds of jobs. Not everyone should be a manager (please!). Not everyone should be a doctor or an engineer. We need front-line workers – or the work doesn’t get done.
How are you showing that you value your tradespeople? What else can you do to make them feel included in your work community and important to your outcomes?
Are you dissuading qualified applicants just because they don’t hold a degree in a certain field? What kind of work – or other learning – experience would be equivalent?