“I think the skills gap is real. And we have to figure out a way as an education system to help solve that problem,” says Michael Hansen, CEO, Cengage Group.

WorkingNation sat down with Hansen at SXSW EDU 2023 in Austin.

The education system and employers need to be flexible with an understanding that two-year and four-year degrees are not the only pathways to the middle class, says Hansen.

“I do think technology, as we have it now, has proven that we can teach many skills in a virtual online environment,” adds Hansen. “I believe that the focus on providing people access to technology that allows them to take advantage of these new skills offerings is absolutely key.”

Learn more about Cengage Group.