The Future of ‘Middle-Skill’ Jobs in Illinois

The Future of ‘Middle-Skill’ Jobs in Illinois

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A study released today shows that a full college education isn’t necessarily the only ticket to fortune and stability. An influx of jobs that require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree may account for nearly half of all employment in the state of Illinois by the year 2014.

The report, released by The Workforce Alliance and the non-partisan campaign Skills2Compete-Illinois also has a caveat – we might not be training enough people to fill these positions. So, what kind of impact would this have on our local economy?

With us now in studio is Carrie Thomas, associate director for the Chicago Jobs Council which is a coalition of community-based training organizations aimed at providing opportunities to people living in poverty. Also with us is Rick Mattoon an economist at the Federal Reserve of Chicago who studies the impact of higher education on the regional economy.


Music Button: Barrett Martin, “The Worm”, from the CD The Painted Desert, (Fast Horse Recordings)