Misconceptions around STEM training: it’s too expensive, learners don’t know where to start, and don’t know enough about digital credentials.
- 61% of respondents think they are not qualified to work in a STEM job because they don’t have the right academic degrees
- 40% of students say the greatest barrier to professional or technical skill development is that they don’t know where to start
- 60% of respondents worry that digital credentials may be costly to obtain
- Being able to continue to work while earning a credential is particularly important to career changers
Learners and workers around the world are planning to make a change, with about 60% of respondents looking for a new job in the next 12 months.
- 61% of students and career changers are actively looking for a new job now or plan to within the next year
- More than 80% of all respondents have plans to build their skills in the next two years
- At least 90% are confident they can develop skills or learn something new from an online program
Awareness of options around different STEM roles across industries is low, and many are concerned these careers won’t pay enough.
- 50% of respondents are interested in pursuing a STEM-related job
- 64% of career changers are not familiar with STEM jobs
- Many respondents are unsure of which careers are considered to be a STEM job
- 62% of respondents share concerns that they won’t be able to find a STEM job that pays enough to support themselves or their family
Respondents are optimistic that roles in STEM fields across sectors will increase in the future, and that digital credentials are a good way to supplement traditional education and increase career opportunities.
- 66% of all respondents think that STEM jobs across industries will increase over the next decade
- 86% of those respondents who have earned a digital credential agree that it helped them achieve career goals
- 75% of all respondents agree that digital credentials are a good way to supplement traditional education
- Increased career opportunities and qualifications were the top reasons why respondents across the globe said they wanted to earn digital credentials
The Resource: The Effect of Employer Understanding and Engagement on Non-Degree Credentials
The details:
Employer demand for micro credentials is on the rise, according to a study released earlier this year by UPCEA, the association for college and university leaders in online and professional continuing education, and Collegis Education. The report, “The Effect of Employer Understanding and Engagement on Non-Degree Credentials,” includes the viewpoints of leaders from 500 organizations on their perceptions of the value of non-degree and alternative credentials.
Ninety-five percent of those surveyed said they saw benefits from microcredentials, particularly because they show an employee’s willingness to develop their skills (76 percent); demonstrate initiative (63 percent) and are an easy way to communicate employee competencies and skills (60 percent). Organizational leaders were particularly interested in stackable credentials leading to a degree with 80 percent saying that increased their appeal.
