Skills Are Bridges Not Gaps: A Skills-Based Approach for Transitioning Workers to Higher-Paying Occupations

Skills-based hiring practices—those that prioritize skills necessary to succeed in a role over formal educational credentials—show potential for securing higher positions for lower-wage workers and helping employers get the workers they need. Read More  

Opportunity Occupations: A Way Ahead for People without a College Degree

People with bachelor’s degrees typically earn better wages and experience higher employment rates than workers who do not. Yet, more than two-thirds of US adults currently do not have a college degree. Since 2015, the Cleveland Fed, in partnership with Atlanta and Philadelphia Feds, has been exploring these trends by identifying occupations that pay above the national annual median wage and are generally accessible to those without a four-year college degree. Read More  

Columbus—Steady Overall Employment Growth

The Columbus metro area continues to be one of the region’s strongest performers, with a low unemployment rate that continues to fall even as the labor force expands, steady employment growth, appreciating home prices, and low consumer debt and credit card delinquency levels. Read More  

Toledo—Conditions Continue to Improve

Economic conditions in the Toledo metro area continue to improve. The unemployment rate has fallen, and employment levels are holding relatively steady. The housing market is a particularly bright spot, with rising residential building permit numbers, growing home prices, and median home values that exceed their prerecession peak. Read More  

Short film from the Fed explores good jobs not requiring a bachelor’s degree

New short film (~6 mins) from the Fed explores good jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree. Meet Jaime Pearson and learn about her opportunity occupation in Toledo, Ohio. Read More