"This study examines manufacturing employer perceptions of postsecondary credentials, the ways in which they find them valuable, and explores the barriers employers identify which prevent employees from enrolling in employer sponsored continuing education programs. In total, 14 staff members were interviewed representing five manufacturing employers and one manufacturing association. The results of this study yield seven themes related to the questions under study: (1) Credentials are valuable for advanced technical and professional positions, (2) Postsecondary degrees are often required for leadership and supervisory positions, (3) Postsecondary credentials are not essential for the majority of entry and mid-level manufacturing positions now or in the near future, (4) Most employers are willing to support employee training if is directly related to work, (5) The majority of manufacturing employers do offer some form of tuition reimbursement, (6) The lack of employee participation in tuition reimbursement programs is multi-faceted, and (7) Education is not a priority among adults without a postsecondary degree. Associated implications related to Lumina Foundation's Goal 2025 and the completion agenda are discussed along with potential opportunities to improve experienced adult postsecondary credential attainment."--Page ii.
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