A new report from the Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette shows there’s been a significant growth in the number of certificate completers since 2010. Chief Policy Officer of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, Barry Erwin, says this is a positive development.
“We’re seeing more of our citizens who are getting these credentials through community and technical colleges that are helping them make more money themselves, but also contribute to the workforce,” Erwin said.
The 150-page report shows a two-year credential has helped lower the percentage of workers between 25 and 34 who have a high school degree or less. In 1980 that percentage was 54%, it’s now down to 29%. And a credential worker can make a good living.
Erwin says the report shows men who earned an associate degree, which may take two to three years to complete, earn higher wages in many cases than men with a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years to receive.
“So, while it’s great to have a four-year degree and we certainly encourage that, what this is showing is that there are opportunities for people to get two-year degrees, if you’re in the right field in technology-related things, and you can do very well in terms of wages,” Erwin explained.
Erwin says a major focus is to raise the state’s educational attainment rate. The Board of Regents says it’s close to 53% and the goal is 60%. Erwin says some disparities also must be closed.
“We still have fewer African Americans than white people with the types of credentials and education attainment we’d like to see. There’s still a gap between men and women,” Erwin noted.
