There are an estimated 30 million ‘good jobs’ available in the current workforce. These ‘good jobs’ are middle-skill positions that require education beyond high school but not a bachelor’s degree.

These positions are an excellent opportunity for GED graduates to meet the needs of the workforce, while pursuing stable, well-paying careers.

The GED test program was designed to prepare adult learners for life beyond the GED credential, including success in postsecondary education and their careers. Adult education courses have the opportunity to help students identify careers of interest and encourage the development of the hard and soft skills they need to be effective and reliable employees. While there is a need to acquire math, science, writing and reading comprehension skills, employers are also looking for soft skills. According to a report released by consulting company Accenture, many companies cited candidates’ lack of foundational skills such as communication, collaboration and problem-solving as an additional obstacle to filling open positions.

Across the country industries like healthcare, information technology and skilled trades are in high demand for workers. The U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET website has a full list of middle-skill jobs with details on related tasks and qualifications. Adult learners can use the site to match their work styles and interests with detailed work activities related to each position. National and state wage information is available, as well as a link to find jobs in their desired field based on their geographic location.

There are many jobs across the country that remain vacant or are expected to see a higher demand for workers in the next few years. The Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook identified the following middle-skill jobs as having a substantial projected growth rate:

• Dental assistants
• Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
• Emergency medical technicians and paramedics
• Hairdressers, hairstylists, barbers and cosmetologists
• Automotive service technicians and mechanics
• Paralegal and legal assistants
• General and operations managers
• Web developers
• Radiation therapists
• Computer network support specialists

Visit this site for more information about how GED graduates are preparing for life after the GED credential.

This month we’re highlighting our new International Marketing Manager, Pimchanok (Tara) Sutthisiriwattana.

Tara joined the GED Testing Service team in February 2020 and is a 2010 GED graduate.

What will you be doing as the GED International Marketing Manager?

I am based in Bangkok, Thailand. I will be working with the US-based Marketing team, helping manage our efforts internationally, with emphasis on the Asia region and South Africa. In addition to working with prep partners in Thailand, I will also work with our partners in Bangladesh, Pakistan and South Africa. As the International Marketing Manager, I will develop and launch marketing campaigns and assist with running our social media accounts as we continue to grow the visibility of the International GED test program.

Could you tell us more about your personal background and your experience as a GED graduate.

I’m an ESL (English as a Second Language) learner from Thailand. My GED journey started in 2010 after deciding I wanted to enter university early. I was looking for international diploma accreditation and the GED was a great fit for me. I was in a prep course for six to seven hours a week and did self-study every day. It took me around three months to pass the GED test.

After passing the test, I attended the University of Newcastle, Australia to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. I have since been working as a marketing professional for six years handling various domestic and international projects in the government, science and beverage industries.

What is something you’ve learned since joining GED Testing Service that you didn’t know as a GED graduate?

The exam has changed since I took it (I tested prior to the release of the 2014 version)—it has also been great to see how students feel about the GED credential. I see that there are so many different reasons for getting a GED. No matter where you live you are able to write your own story.

What was your biggest motivation during your GED journey?

My parents were my biggest support system.

It felt super amazing to accomplish this step in life and it was very meaningful for me to see my parents proud of my success.The GED was a strong foundation and gave me many opportunities to explore the world.

What do you enjoy doing in your down time outside of work?

I like baking—croissants are my favorite thing to make. I also enjoy wakeboarding and I am a trained barista.

We continue to work on improving and simplifying the student journey for taking and passing the GED.

A big step in preparing to take the GED involves the GED Ready practice test. The practice test measures how likely a student is to pass the GED and identifies skills to focus on and study. We are currently working on improving various areas of the GED Ready score report to make it more useful for students.

Over the next few months, we will be developing new features and conducting A/B tests with students to decide which features to adopt. Below are some of the updates that we’ll be testing:

Linking the study tool via pop-up

Linking a study tool in the Score Report helps to further guide students so they know exactly which pages or sections to study based on the skills they need to focus on. A number of our students don’t link their current study tool and are missing out on valuable study guidance.

Some of our students shared with us that they aren’t linking their tool in the Score Report because they don’t always know the name of their book or online resource, but if they saw a picture of the cover it would help them to find and link it more easily.

We believe if we provide them with a visual upfront, this will make it easier for students to link their study material. During our A/B test, we will track whether or not more students are linking a study tool and will roll out the new feature to everyone if successful.

Congratulations!! Hancock State Prison recently hosted a ceremony where 24 students from the Georgia Department of Corrections were recognized for earning their High School Equivalency Diplomas.

We’re excited to welcome renowned author and NYU professor Daniel Lerner as the keynote speaker at the GEDTS Annual Conference being held July 27-29 in Atlanta!

His course, The Science of Happiness, fills classrooms in seconds. He combines research and experience to help individuals fuel their work and life with passion. Celebrated for his work as a positive psychologist, he will share breakthrough insights about how to achieve happiness and success at this year’s conference.

For over a decade, Dan has been researching and applying positive psychology and how it impacts performance for students, athletes, executives and teams. He brings out the best in individuals by helping them strike a balance between stress and anxiety, surface their strengths and uniquely shape long-term success.

Daniel Lerner’s bio is available here and you can still register for our annual conference and take advantage of the early bird rate through April 1st.