Averting a Talent Shortage in California

California is facing a looming talent shortage as a generation of college graduates retire and educational attainment among young people fails to keep pace with labor market demands. To protect and grow California’s economy, the business leaders of ReadyNation urge the state to make investments to increase the number of residents with postsecondary degrees and credentials of value.

By 2030, California’s workforce could be short by over one million college graduates. Businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies may struggle to find qualified workers to fulfill essential roles. California’s new 70 percent attainment goal is a good start, but the state needs clarity about how it will reach this goal.