Since the late 1960's, we have seen a slight increase in the proportion of jobs that are part-time. Technology will continue to transform jobs and require better skills to do them. Wages and employment opportunities will favor those who get higher levels of education and training. Workers with college degrees have higher earnings today than in the early 1980's, while the earnings of those with only a high school education or less have stayed the same or fallen. High school dropouts are also nearly four times more likely to be unemployed than college graduates.
Technological change is likely to continue to increase the demand for skilled workers.
The Labor Department and this Administration have made strategic investments in education and training one of their top priorities to insure that all Americans share in the Nation's prosperity. Hope Scholarships provide tax credits to make at least two years of college affordable to all Americans while the Lifetime Learning tax credit provides financial assistance for workers who need to upgrade their skills. Skill Standards provide a framework for improving the quality of education and training. We have also encouraged increased funding for primary and secondary education, expansion of the Pell Grant program and other initiatives to make lifelong learning accessible to all Americans. The Department's programs focus on enhancing the opportunities for America's workforce, promoting the economic security of workers and families, and fostering quality workplaces that are safe, healthy, and fair.