Although many organizations cite a paucity of talent and an inability to fill important roles as a key challenge, there is a vast overlooked talent pool of workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs). These are workers who have a high school diploma or equivalent and do not have a four-year college degree but do have the skills to perform higher-wage work today. STARs have developed skills on the job and through alternative routes, such as community college, military service, and apprenticeships. This report provides three key findings of STARs, including that this is an underutilized talent pool that is vast and diverse in terms of regions, races, ethnicities, genders, and generations across the United States–and who possess the desired skillsets. The report is a good reminder that we should shatter inaccurate perceptions and preconceived notions about this talent pool and look for opportunities to leverage this segment of workers to help close talent gaps and drive business performance.
