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Recommendations for Improved Service DeliveryRecognize
Resistance
Many study respondents resented certification programs
required for employment or promotion regardless of their seniority or
experience. When potential students
reject or participate reluctantly in adult education programs, their reluctance
may be due to a reasonable evaluation of the GED or other credentials as
required but not necessary for their current work environment. Our interviews with Department of Transportation workers, for
example, revealed that employees were frustrated and sometimes fearful of
credentialing requirements for promotion within the department.
In another example, an older worker complained: You know, some of the factories they bring in, you’re going to have to have a GED. Looks to me like it’s discriminating all together. You’re not dumb because you don’t have a GED. Anybody can get out here and run a forklift or something, you know. While continuing education may indeed provide beneficial
skills and opportunities for individuals to pursue less physically-intensive
jobs and work that is less vulnerable to market forces, to require education and
ignore experience alienates workers who are proud of their skills and aware of
the scope of the local labor market.
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