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Report/Research
Ready for What's Next
The Search for a Better Career Path
September 29, 2026
At a Glance
Drawing on a national survey, this report examines how adults without a college degree are responding to workplace change—and what employers and workforce partners can do to help them advance.
A new national survey from Citizens and Jobs for the Future (JFF), conducted by Wakefield Research, finds that Americans without a college degree are motivated to build skills and advance their careers despite economic uncertainty and rapid workplace change.
Nearly eight in 10 respondents say learning new skills is the best way to improve their career opportunities, and 87% would make financial tradeoffs to pay for career training. Yet many are reassessing their direction: 77% would choose a different career path if they could start over.
The findings also point to a clear opportunity for employers. Ninety-two percent say they would be more likely to stay if their employer invested in training and skill development. Workers especially value learning by doing, with 58% saying on-the-job experience is most likely to help them get a better job or earn more money.
The research shows that workers are ready to invest in their futures. Employers and workforce partners can help turn that ambition into action by making training options easier to understand, navigate, and afford.
Key findings
- 77% believe learning new skills is the best way to improve their career opportunities.
- 87% would make financial tradeoffs to pay for career training.
- 70% believe AI will make learning new career skills more accessible.
- 92% would be more likely to stay if their employer invested in training.
- 58% say on-the-job experience is most likely to help them advance.
The survey of 1,000 low- and moderate-income U.S. adults ages 20 to 50 without a college degree was conducted by Wakefield Research for Citizens and JFF in August 2026.
