A "Hybrid Higher Education System" Essential to Increasing National Competitiveness

"The new frontier of effective worker education lies in combining classroom and workplace education to produce a hybrid of technical knowledge and hands-on skills," according to a report from the Center for American Progress — Delivering Innovation Economy Skills While Wisely Using Public Funds.

The report contends that the U.S. not only needs highly-skilled scientists and engineers to increase national competitiveness, but also individuals with postsecondary education and relevant experience to perform frontline jobs (e.g., energy efficiency technicians, social media communication assistants and advanced manufacturing floor workers).

To develop this cohort of frontline workers, the authors believe we must develop a "hybrid system" to engage working learners — individuals who face particular challenges in pursuing postsecondary credential because they must combine work, life and educational responsibilities. The hybrid system must consist of flexible education programs, courses of study relevant to employer needs, career guidance and "easy-to-use" financial aid.

The report expands upon these four broad recommendations by providing several policy prescriptions that institutions of higher education, U.S. states and the federal government can adopt that will lead to a more well-prepared, innovative national workforce.

By Louis Soares

Full Story: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/03/delivering_skills.html?utm_source=SSTI+Weekly+Digest&utm_campaign=84f1856482-SSTI_Digest_for_the_Week_of_March_23_20113_23_2011&utm_medium=email