Nearly 30,000 state jobs in California will no longer necessitate a college degree, following a decision by Gov. Gavin Newsom. A news release announced the removal of educational requirements for these positions, as part of the Newsom administration’s efforts to modernize the state government and enhance the hiring process by eliminating unnecessary barriers to public service jobs. The release also disclosed a goal to double the number of jobs without degree requirements by 2025, with negotiations ongoing for an additional 32,000 positions. The California Human Resources Department (CalHR) determines whether a degree or other educational qualifications are essential for a job. CalHR manages various functions related to state employee salaries, job classifications, training, and exams. CalHR’s Deputy Director of Communications, Camille Travis, emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing multiple pathways to jobs, including those that do not require a degree. Since 2014, CalHR has worked on simplifying the state’s job classification plan to address barriers to hiring, streamline processes, and ensure pay equity for affected classes. Newsom highlighted the state’s efforts to create opportunities for all individuals to secure well-paying and fulfilling careers, irrespective of college degrees. The decision to eliminate degree requirements aligns with Newsom’s Freedom to Succeed Executive Order, aimed at reducing employment barriers for state jobs and preparing individuals for the workforce through career education initiatives. Tear the Paper Ceiling reported that a significant portion of the American workforce acquires skills through alternative routes rather than traditional degrees. This workforce, referred to as STARs, includes approximately 70 million workers who have gained skills through on-the-job experience. Tear the Paper Ceiling advocates for hiring based on skills rather than degrees, emphasizing that job qualifications should be based on the ability to perform the job. Many states, including Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, have eliminated college degree requirements for a vast majority of state jobs, recognizing the value of skills acquired through experience.
