Education levels among Washington workforce falling short of labor market demand

Washington employers will need more educated workers over the next several years than the state is projected to have.

That’s according to a new report from the Washington State Student Achievement Council, which estimates that 70% of jobs in 2023 and 72% in 2031 will require college degrees or other post-secondary credentials.

About 47% of Washington workers have a post-secondary degree. That’s higher than the national average but still not high enough, said Daryl Monear, lead author of the report.

Monear said that even in occupations where workers used to qualify with just a high school diploma, employers are increasingly requiring some form of certification beyond high school.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/04/16/education-levels-among-washington-workforce-falling-short-of-labor-market-demand/