LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Four years of college isn't the only path to a successful job, according to a new study from Georgetown University.
One million jobs around the nation are still available. However, most still require some sort of apprenticeship training or certificate.
Professions like nursing assistants, commercial truck drivers and insurance agents still require a certificate, but not necessarily a four-year degree.
Dwight Segraves is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Premier Staffing, a company which helps to funnel applicants for employers.
"Your success is determined by your work ethic. We have some really good companies in insurance and finance arena. Some of these nice call centers that we have here. [It's a] very good place for someone like that to start," Segraves said.
In Arkansas, 24 percent of the population is comprised of high school graduates only. While an additional 24 percent of high school graduates have some college experience, but no degree.
"If a company is looking for a good welder, boy they'll take experience over a college-educated guy, who maybe has a degree in welding. But if you've got this guy out here who has 15 years experience in welding, that's the guy they need," Segraves said.
And the jobs come with competitive salaries.
According to the Georgetown University study, an average salary for some of these jobs is $42,000 a year. Almost 40 percent of employers pay these workers above $50,000.
Segraves says any salary depends on the company, job requirements and the employees' attitude and aptitude.
"It's not where you start off. It's where you end up...your success is determined by your work ethic...showing up for work, doing a good job, paying attention, those things determine what will make you a success in the long run," Segraves said.
Segraves reiterated a commonly-known fact: basic skills are essential for any job seeker, particularly computer skills.
While higher-level positions do require at least a four-year degree, Segraves says the vast majority of entry-level jobs do not.
Twitter: @BuhrmanM