Welcome to America's Third Industrial Revolution, where technology and global trade are remaking the nation's workplace, and requiring most workers to possess an array of new skills in technical and academic areas. It's a staggering transition and possibly threatening social upheaval. Even in a booming economy, their wages stagnate and their jobs become less secure. Government should strengthen employment protection laws and trade policies to improve workers' access to good jobs and livable wages. Colleges should stop promoting college for everyone, and public schools should strengthen job-related studies.
Higher education is a prerequisite for almost any good career path.
Yet, poor preparation in high school and inadequate financial support in college force too many students to give up obtaining an advanced degree. Government, businesses, and educational institutions should work together to improve public education and to ensure affordable, accessible postsecondary opportunities for all Americans throughout their lives. The job market continually cycles through shortages and surpluses of one skill or another. It is an efficient system, propelled by millions of Americans making individual decisions in their own best interests. Government should spur job growth by sharply reducing taxes and employment regulations that, though well intended, prolong the painful transition from old jobs to new ones.