Closing the Middle-Skills Gap: How Urban College of Boston is Preparing Students for In-Demand Careers
Why Middle-Skills Education Matters
In today’s rapidly changing job market, workers who possess ‘middle-skills’ – those that require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree – are in high demand. These roles span a variety of industries, including STEM, management and professional offices, blue collar professions, human and protective services.
Despite their importance and the opportunities these roles present as pathways to high-paying careers, employers are expected to face a shortage of qualified workers for these positions by 2032. [1]
According to the National Skills Coalition, jobs requiring middle-skills make up over 52% of the U.S. labor market, but only 43% of workers are trained at this level. [2] This mismatch creates an opportunity to diversify these roles, improve economic equality, and “strengthen the American economy by drawing qualified workers from the widest talent pool possible.” [3]
To close this gap, educational institutions must step up. The Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce estimates that an additional 712,000 certificates and associates degrees will need to be granted annually through 2032 to close the gap. [4]
In Massachusetts, Urban College of Boston is already focused on educating their students to fill this gap.
Barriers to Middle-Skills Development
Despite the clear demand for middle-skill workers, many adults in Massachusetts (and across the country) face real challenges accessing middle-skills education. The state’s 2025 Barriers to Employment report highlights several skill-related obstacles, including: [5]
Limited access to short-term, affordable programs
Gaps in digital literacy and comfort with technology
English language skills or the need to build foundational academic skills
Difficulty navigating available education or career options
These challenges most impact adult learners, immigrants, and those balancing work, family, and school. Without proper support, many of these potential middle-skill workers will be left behind.
Closing the Gap at Urban College
Urban College of Boston is rooted in its mission to open pathways to opportunity through accessible, affordable, and workforce-relevant programs. Urban College meets students where they are, making higher education accessible for those who can’t stop their lives to attend school.
Affordable tuition allows most Urban College students to graduate debt-free.
Flexible class times permit students to enroll in asynchronous or synchronous online classes that work with their busy schedules, with support always available on the Boston campus.
Courses are offered in several languages, including English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Comprehensive support, including academic and career advising, is available online and in-person to all students.
At Urban College, we understand the constraints our students face and empower them through a range of certificate and associate degree programs to prepare them for in-demand, middle-skill careers.
Middle-Skills Focused Credentials
From early childhood education to human services and the new Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training within the Children’s Behavioral Health concentration, Urban College’s middle-skills programs are designed to equip students with the practical skills and credentials employers need.
Early Childhood Education (Associate Degree & Certificate)
The Early Childhood Education program provides students the knowledge and practical skills needed to design, implement, and assess developmentally appropriate, inclusive learning environments for young children.
Potential Middle-Skill Career Pathways: Child Care Worker, Preschool Manager, Early Childhood Center Director
General Studies (Associate Degree & Certificate)
Through a blend of general education core courses and electives aligned with individual aspirations, the General Studies program provides students the opportunity to plan, analyze, and execute their individual career and education goals.
Possible Middle-Skill Career Pathways: Office Manager, General Manager, Executive Assistant
Human Services (Associate Degree & Certificate)
The Human Services Program prepares students for transfer and employment in social service agencies, schools, and centers. The program provides a unique combination of college coursework and human services field experience that employers value.
Potential Middle-Skill Career Pathways: Social Services Assistant, Community Health Worker, Family Support Worker
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) (Human Services Concentration) - New for Fall 2025!
The Children’s Behavioral Health concentration within the Human Services program prepares students for specialized roles as Registered Behavioral Technicians.
Potential Middle-Skill Career Pathways: RBT Specialized in Children’s Behavioral Health
Case Management (Certificate)
This program equips aspiring professionals and current practitioners with the skills to provide effective, compassionate support to individuals and communities through theoretical foundations and practical experience.
Potential Middle-Skill Career Pathways: Case Manager, Social Services Assistant, Direct Support Professional
Elder Care (Certificate) - Now Enrolling for Fall 2025!
The Elder Care program provides students with a deep understanding of the biological, physiological, and social dimensions of aging, and how to work effectively within healthcare and social services systems. Students will also be prepared to pass the Community Health Worker credential exam.
Potential Middle-Skill Career Pathways: Community Health Worker, Case Manager, Residential Support Specialist, Home Health and Personal Care Aide, or Owning a Private Homecare Agency (58% job growth predicted for Massachusetts in this sector!) [6]
Each degree program and certificate is designed to provide students with both the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in each area. There are resources available to help students find internship opportunities that fit their learning and career goals.
Program Spotlight: Registered Behavior Technician Certification Preparation
Starting Fall 2025, Urban College’s Human Services program will offer a concentration in Children’s Behavioral Health, preparing students to earn their RBT certificate with just 4 classes.
Students will take courses in the foundations of children’s behavioral health, trauma & resiliency, and will gain real-world work experience through a behavioral health internship.
According to May 2023 Massachusetts Employment & Wage statistics, the demand for RBTs is expected to increase 13% by 2033. Students who earn their RBT certificate will also be well-positioned to pursue further degrees in this area.
The Future of Middle-Skill Development at Urban College
As the American job market continues to evolve, Urban College remains committed to its mission: to open new pathways to opportunity through individualized, supportive, and multilingual education that prepares a diverse community of learners to pursue career advancement and transform their lives.
References:
[1] Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, “Bridging the Middle Skills Gap” (Executive Summary), pg. 2.
[2] National Skills Coalition, “The Skills Mismatch,” para. 1.
[3] Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, “Bridging the Middle Skills Gap” (Executive Summary), pg. 3.
[4] Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, “Bridging the Middle Skills Gap” (Executive Summary), pg.1.
[5] Massachusetts 2025 Barriers to Employment Report, pg. 6-8.
[6] Greater Boston Regional Blueprint, pg. 4.