'Leaky Pipeline' Report Points To Coming Skilled Worker Shortage In North Carolina

A new report warns that a “leaky pipeline” of people without advanced degrees will leave North Carolina without enough skilled workers.

The study found that 47 percent of state residents ages 25 to 64 have a postsecondary degree or nondegree credentials. The document says that needs to rise to at least 60 percent by 2030 to meet demands for a highly educated workforce.

The News and Observer reports a major stumbling block is the vast disparities across the state in terms of graduation rates and educational attainment.

The report found only four out of the state's 100 counties had populations where at least half the adults have an associate's degree or higher.

While the study notes significant improvement in the state's high school graduation rate, only a small percentage of high school freshmen went on to graduate in four years, immediately enroll in a state school or community college, and graduate on time.

The study was conducted by UNC-Chapel Hill's Carolina Demography and the John M. Belk Endowment. It will be used to help guide the state's path forward in achieving education goals.