Manufacturers Set To Adjust Job Requirements in 2024
According to a recent report by Intelligent, nearly half (45%) of 800 surveyed U.S. companies are planning to eliminate bachelor’s degree requirements for entry- to mid-level positions in 2024. It’s the continuation of a trend that rose to prominence this past year, when 55% of companies removed such requirements.
For manufacturers especially, this signifies a major opportunity to bring more workers into the fold and fill roles in dire need of candidates.
Increasing accessibility and diversity in hiring
The decision to remove bachelor’s degree requirements isn’t just about loosening hiring criteria; it’s part of a broader move toward creating inclusivity and diversity in manufacturing. The high cost of college education — coupled with the complexities of navigating college applications and finding financial aid — often places in-demand degrees out of reach for underrepresented groups.
By eliminating or lessening degree requirements, companies open critical opportunities to individuals who, despite having the necessary skills and potential, were previously considered underqualified. It’s a move that acknowledges the diverse paths people take in their professional development and embraces a broader spectrum of talents and perspectives within the workforce.
The growing value of work experience and alternative education
In making the decision to strip away degree barriers, manufacturers have also acknowledged an overwhelming preference for work experience (or a willingness to learn) when assessing job candidates. While some candidates don’t possess a four-year degree, many offer the robust drive to upskill through hands-on manufacturing experience, and they’ll find themselves with more opportunities in 2024 and beyond.
There are also alternative educational pathways to consider — namely, trade school apprenticeships and certificate programs. These alternative education pathways are becoming more crucial in the employment landscape, offering practical, skill-focused training that aligns closely with industry needs. Approximately 75% of respondents to Intelligent’s survey acknowledged the value of these programs and the inroads they pave toward gainful employment.
The onus of education falls to manufacturers
While a bachelor’s degree might no longer bar candidates from entry-level manufacturing jobs, there’s still a question of ensuring that those hired will have the skills and abilities to meet the needs of the roles now open to them. Here, manufacturers need to ensure they have training and in-house education that bridges the gap.
Internal training programs, mentorship, and upskilling will be critical in 2024 and beyond as manufacturers take a more involved stance in shaping their internal workforce. The model will shift to hiring for soft skills and training technical skills in-house, and manufacturers need to ensure they have the support available to make this strategy work.
More job opportunities for manufacturing on the horizon
As the job market evolves, it brings with it new challenges and opportunities for job seekers. Those individuals could find themselves with one fewer obstacle in 2024 for entry-level jobs that could kickstart a prosperous career in manufacturing. For companies, it’s a step toward more dynamic and inclusive hiring practices, potentially leading to a more diverse and versatile workforce — one that could reignite domestic manufacturing in the decade to come.