Governor Gavin Newsom has made a decision in California that will eliminate degree requirements for nearly 30,000 state jobs. This move is part of an effort by the Newsom administration to modernize state government and enhance the hiring process by removing unnecessary barriers to public service jobs. The goal is to double the number of jobs without degree requirements by 2025, with negotiations currently underway for around 32,000 additional positions. The California Human Resources Department (CalHR) is responsible for evaluating whether a degree or other educational requirements are necessary for a job. CalHR aims to provide multiple pathways to job opportunities, including those that do not require a degree. Since 2014, CalHR has been working to simplify the state’s job classification plan and address barriers to state hiring, exam maintenance, and pay equity. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for all Californians to access well-paying jobs and build fulfilling careers, regardless of whether they hold college degrees. This decision aligns with Newsom’s Freedom to Succeed Executive Order, which aims to prepare individuals for the workforce and reduce employment barriers for state jobs. The removal of unnecessary college degree requirements for certain positions is seen as a step towards hiring based on skills rather than degrees, in line with the principles advocated by organizations like Tear the Paper Ceiling and Opportunity@Work. Other states, such as Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, have also moved away from requiring college degrees for a significant portion of their state jobs.
