70 Million Skilled Workers Are This Year's Hidden Gems for Employers

In today's job market, half of the U.S. workforce, about 70 million people, aren't following the so-called traditional path of earning a bachelor's degree right after high school. Instead, they've gained skills through alternative routes like community colleges, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. This presents a massive, overlooked pool of talent for employers.

The Journey from Plans to Pivots

Let's start with a personal story. At 18, plans are neatly laid out. One such plan revolved around sports and arts. A full scholarship to bowl and study fine arts seemed like a dream. But then, a wrist injury and two surgeries turned that dream upside down. Suddenly, everything changed. Dropping out became necessary to handle mounting bills, and life demanded a pivot.

Six months later, the story took another turn. Enrollment at a local community college became the new path. Balancing jobs from Blockbuster to running a college writing center, an associate's degree came within reach. Eventually, even a bachelor's in psychology and art therapy followed. A job found on Craigslist, of all places, turned out to be life-changing, leading to a path that ends in a CEO position today.

Understanding the Impact

Here's what matters: Nontraditional paths aren't unusual. Statistics show that more than half of U.S. workers have taken these alternative routes. Despite this, many employers still cling to degree requirements that don't accurately reflect the skills needed for the job. That's a missed opportunity.

For instance, Trane Technologies and Micron have embraced unique recruitment strategies. Trane developed an apprenticeship for HVAC technicians growing from 25 to 200 apprentices in just two years. Micron offers apprenticeships where recruits work as paid technicians while earning qualifications. These paths attract and retain talent often overlooked by businesses stuck in the old ways.

But what's the risk of ignoring these paths? Businesses that don't adapt may miss out on individuals with resilience and work ethic, qualities honed through experiences outside four-year institutions. This isn't just about fairness. it's a strategic advantage.

The Path Forward

As more industries recognize the value of diverse educational and career paths, we're seeing a shift. Programs like Real Careers, Real Journeys connect students with industry professionals, reaching over 2,500 students in their first year. That's a scalable approach to career exploration, far beyond the traditional career day.

Employers need to rethink their recruitment strategies. They should actively seek out candidates from various backgrounds. The business case for this is strong: diverse teams bring different perspectives, often leading to more innovation and better decision-making.

From a risk perspective, relying solely on traditional paths limits a company's talent pool and new potential. As graduation season approaches, the reality is clear. Nonlinear paths are becoming the norm, and employers who adapt will be better positioned to thrive.

So, the next time you're evaluating talent, ask yourself: Is the degree really the most important qualification? Or is it the skills, resilience, and diversity of experience that truly matter? By expanding your view, you might discover the hidden gems that can drive your company forward.