Aet 510: Diversity Issue

The Effects of Adult Education on Welfare Recipients

The primary goal of welfare is to assist families in need, while providing access to education and training that will move those families toward becoming self-sufficient and permanently removed from the welfare caseload. Hamilton and Gueron (2002) offered, “The approaches should include training that fosters career advancement, integrates basic education and skills training, and engages local employers. Welfare recipients should also have access to support services that will increase program retention.” Welfare recipients need to be exposed to education and training that will prepare them to be worthy adversaries in the job market. “In this era of welfare reform, globalization, and labor force competition, adult educators cannot deny the responsibility and challenge to furnish learners with the skills and knowledge they need to function in a competitive marketplace,” Merriam, Courtenay, & Cervero, (2006). Adult education provides welfare recipients with more pathways to achieving job security and becoming a contributing member of their communities. “Work is the key to personal independence and an effective way to achieve a meaningful role in society,” Merriam, Courtenay, & Cervero, (2006).

Education and Skills Training

There are many workplace opportunities that do not require an individual to have a college degree. For example, blue-collar jobs are those that usually require specific skill sets or certifications to make a person qualified to perform a particular job.

According to Dahl (2012):

A recent Manpower Group survey ranked I.T. positions third, behind skilled trades and engineers, among the toughest positions to fill. Others in the top 10 included sales representatives, accounting and finance staff, drivers, mechanics, nurses, machine operators and teachers. Many of these jobs require skills an individual can acquire without investing in a four-year college degree (pg. 1).

Although there seems...