Why Skills Training Can’t Replace Higher Education

One of the dominant narratives in the media is that we need to produce more workers now who can do whatever is needed now, using short-term post-secondary certification programs. The focus is typically on “vocational” skills, contrasted with what too often are characterized as relatively useless liberal education outcomes. Of course, short-term vocational skills-based programs are critically important and well suited for many people. But this is not an acceptable policy choice for addressing the demands of the 21^st century workplace and fixing the shortcomings of American higher education. Abbreviating post-secondary preparation programs may well reduce short-term costs for students, institutions, and many employers. However, privileging short-term job training over demanding educational experiences associated with high-levels of intellectual, personal, and social development — a foundation for continuous life-long learning — is a bad idea for individuals, for the long-term vitality of the American economy, and for our democracy.