In his first executive action since becoming guv, Josh Shapiro abolished college degree requirements for state job listings in hopes of expanding economic opportunity.

The executive order signed Wednesday advises the state to prioritize abilities and experience over credentials for 65,000 positions, according to a press release.

" Every Pennsylvanian must have the freedom to chart their own course and have a genuine opportunity to be successful," Shapiro stated. "They need to get to decide what's finest for them-- whether they wish to go to college or straight into the labor force-- not have that decided for them."

The relocation far from credential requirements comes at a time when Pennsylvania's workforce participation rate continues to fall. One analysis estimates the commonwealth is missing out on 113,000 employees.

" I want to make it clear to all Pennsylvanians, whether they went to college or they acquired experience through work, job training, or an apprenticeship program; we value your skills and abilities, and we want you to apply for a task with the Commonwealth," Shapiro stated.

The executive order works immediately and will likewise review the 8% of tasks with a college-degree requirement "to determine which task categories are appropriate to consist of practical experience, in lieu of, or in addition to, a four-year college degree requirement."

The modification represents a significant shift in Pennsylvania. Public-sector jobs tend to need college degrees at higher rates than private-sector tasks, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

" Occupations generally requiring postsecondary education for entry made up 63.5% of state government employment and 61.1% of local government work, compared with 35% of private sector employment," the BLS noted.

Pennsylvania isn't the first state to remove its college-degree requirement for state jobs. In 2022, Maryland and Utah also withdrawed their credential demands for public tasks.

In addition to the executive order, the Shapiro administration likewise released a website where job-seekers can browse job listings that do not need a college degree.