Does A High School Diploma Have Value in Today’s Job Market?

It is no secret that in today’s job market, a high school diploma, more often than not, does not cut it anymore. So, what value does a high school diploma have?  Apparently the State of North Carolina, also have pondered this question, in fact, that is one of the reasons the state is modifying their high school diplomas issued upon high graduation to reflect a student’s status; either “ college ready or career ready” (Sirkin, 2013). 

In realizing that not every student chooses the traditional path of attending a four-year college/university, which straps many college graduates with large student loan debt.  To say nothing of the high rate of unemployed for college graduates with bachelor’s degrees in 2011 was 13.5% overall and for those with advanced degrees 8.6 % (U.S. Department of Labor, 2013).

Recently, North Carolina state lawmakers approved legislation that will give a big boost to vocational education.  Students and families want and need other options that will enable them to enter the workforce making a decent and livable wage without a college degree.  Moreover, obtaining quality vocational education can provide that avenue that will put the economic value back in “earning” a high school diploma. Achieving completion of any academic education/program on any level should always have value, not just personal but also a catalyst to eligibility towards decent economic opportunities. 

 Reference

Sirkin, H. (2013).  To Ease the Skill Shortage, Bring Back the Vocational High School.  Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-03-20/to-ease-the-skills-shortage-bring-back-the-vocational-high-school

U.S. Bureau of Labor (2013).  The job market for recent college graduates in the United States. Retrieved from http://bls.gov/opub/ted/2013/ted_20130405.htm