It would seem that in an economic environment where employers continue to report difficulty filling many skilled positions, they would have plenty of qualified prospects. However, employers are not finding applicants with the education and training necessary to move into many positions without extensive on-the-job training, something few employers can or want to afford. The result is a workforce in which many job seekers cannot secure available positions because they do not have the necessary preparation to transition into those jobs with ease. The really surprising part is that we are often talking about college graduates who are ill-equipped for many of the demands of today's professional world.
Training and the Economy
This concern was highlighted in the 2011 study conducted by Corporate Voices for Working Families and Civic Enterprises titled "Across the Great Divide." The study examined the relationship between the education students receive in college and the skills employers are looking for from college graduates. Although the report is more than a decade old, many of its findings continue to shape conversations about workforce development today.
The introduction to the study stated, "Many of those looking for work do not have the skills required by companies looking to hire, resulting in businesses seeking talent while many job seekers struggle to qualify." While today's labor market differs significantly from that of 2011, employers continue to emphasize the importance of aligning education with workforce needs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, many of the fastest-growing occupations require specialized postsecondary education, technical training, or industry credentials.
Taylor Reveley, president of The College of William and Mary at the time of the study, agreed. Reveley told Business News Daily, "It is a significant issue if people are not being trained for the jobs that exist and, perhaps more to the point, the jobs that are evolving, because then our economy and nation are in real trouble." More than a decade later, that observation remains relevant as employers continue to seek graduates with both technical and professional skills.
A Definition of "College"
While the introduction sounds somewhat ominous, the good news is that the study also presents solutions that continue to resonate today. First, it is important to note that both business and education leaders agree that a postsecondary degree or certification is becoming more vital to landing a good job in today's economy. In fact, businesses and colleges across the country continue to partner to reduce these training discrepancies and equip college students with practical skills they can truly use after graduation.
The response to the current disparity begins with a definition of what "college" looks like. According to the study, one key misconception that must be overcome to close the divide between the academic and professional world is recognizing that college is not limited to four-year bachelor's degrees. Associate degrees, workforce certificates, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized credentials offer practical, hands-on preparation for today's workforce, and community colleges are especially well equipped to provide this type of training. Readers interested in these pathways may also enjoy Community Colleges: A to Z Guide for 2026.
Stephen M. Wing, president of Corporate Voices for Working Families, said in the study's press release, "The focus on college too often excludes the demand for those who hold two-year associate degrees and trade-specific credentials." While perceptions have broadened since the report was published, recognizing the value of multiple postsecondary pathways remains an important step toward meeting employer demand.
The study found that 98 percent of business leaders believed the term "college" meant a four-year degree. While changing that perception has taken time, employers increasingly recognize the value of associate degrees, workforce certificates, and technical credentials. Community colleges continue to play an important role in preparing graduates for today's workforce. For more on that evolving role, see Community Colleges Are More Important Than Ever in 2026.
Enrollment vs. Completion
The other factor impacting the discrepancy between people looking for jobs and those who have the skills employers need is the focus on college enrollment rather than college completion. While increasing access to higher education remains important, policymakers and educators today place greater emphasis on helping students earn a credential that leads to career success.
Rather than focusing solely on enrollment targets, many colleges are investing in initiatives that improve student persistence and graduation rates. Incentives that continue to receive attention include:
- Loan repayment assistance or targeted forgiveness programs for eligible graduates
- Performance-based funding models that reward institutions for improving student completion and workforce outcomes
- Partnerships with employers that expand paid internships, apprenticeships, and "earn and learn" opportunities
The study also asserted that effective methods must be implemented to accurately track completion rates and student outcomes. Today, colleges increasingly measure success through graduation rates, transfer rates, employment outcomes, and earnings data, giving students and policymakers a clearer picture of institutional performance.
Students interested in improving their chances of completing a credential may also find Navigating Community College as an Adult Learner in 2026 helpful.
In addition, making it easier for students to transfer to a four-year college after completing a two-year degree continues to encourage students to pursue higher education through multiple institutions. While many states have improved transfer agreements over the past decade, transferring credits can still present challenges, making it important for students to understand articulation agreements before enrolling. The National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator is a useful resource for comparing colleges and researching transfer options.
More than half the business leaders surveyed in the original study said it was difficult to find non-managerial employees with the necessary skills, training, and education. The gap was even greater for smaller companies with fewer than 250 employees. Although the workforce has changed considerably since the study was conducted, many employers, particularly small and mid-sized businesses, continue to report difficulty filling skilled positions.
By the same token, business leaders continue to agree that increasing postsecondary education completion strengthens both the economy and individual employers. Graduates who complete relevant programs are generally better prepared to contribute immediately in the workplace, reducing training costs and helping businesses remain competitive.
Community colleges continue to play an important role in meeting these workforce needs by offering affordable, career-focused education that aligns with employer demand. Readers interested in the evolving role of these institutions may also enjoy Community Colleges Are More Important Than Ever in 2026.
