How Google is Disrupting the College Degree

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Google made an announcement that has the potential to change the future of work and higher education: They are launching a selection of professional courses that teach candidates how to perform in demand jobs. These courses called Google Career Certificates teach the necessary skills to help jobseekers immediately find employment. Unlike a typical four-year college degree, these courses are designed to be completed in about six months. This program will open the door for so many Americans who cannot afford to attend college, yet still want a career. The senior vice president of global affairs at Google stated that “college degrees are out of reach for many Americans, and you shouldn’t need a college diploma to have economic security.” There will be no prerequisites or prior experience needed to take these courses.

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This opportunity is new and exciting! It offers business owners a chance to think about their own businesses. If you are an employer, ask yourself:

  • Is it time to eliminate the requirement of a four-year degree?

  • Would my business benefit from taking advantage of educational programs like those offered by Google?

  • Or, better yet, do we have the resources to design our own online/in-person training, to train and hire employees?

Maybe it is time for your business to consider offering a registered apprenticeship or other in-person training to increase access to job opportunities in the community, increase employee skills, and improve employee retention.  

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What is a registered apprenticeship? According to North Dakota Job Service it is, “a structured training program combining paid on-the-job training with related technical instruction in a highly skilled occupation.”

Benefits of Registered Apprenticeships:

  • It offers potential employees the opportunity to earn money while learning the trade and avoid the crippling debt of a four-year college degree

  • Allows businesses to recruit highly skilled employees

  • Enhanced employee retention rates

  • Offers workers a long-term career

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Current Apprenticeship Programs in North Dakota:

There are currently a variety of registered apprenticeships available in North Dakota. These can be found on the North Dakota Job Service website under the “Job Seekers” tab. There is a place under “Job Seekers” that allows you to search for apprenticeships. Just a few of the current apprenticeships in North Dakota include:

  • Steffes Welding Program in Dickinson, ND

  • Butcher for SpartanNash in Bismarck, ND

  • Electrical Apprentice for AH Inc in Killdeer, ND

  • Apprentice Electrician for Muth Electric in Williston, ND

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It may be worth it to look at what a registered apprenticeship could add to your own business. Degrees are out of reach for some individuals, but that does not mean that a career should be. Nowadays, it is all about skills rather than degrees.

References

Bariso, Justin. “Google Has Announced a Plan to Disrupt the College Degree.” Inc.com, Inc., 19 Aug. 2020, www.inc.com/justin-bariso/google-plan-disrupt-college-degree-university-higher-education-certificate-project-management-data-analyst.html.

“Apprenticeships.” Job Service North Dakota, www.jobsnd.com/job-seeker/apprenticeships.

EducationLydia DeJesus