For many Butler CC students, earning a degree or certificate was supposed to be a ticket to a stable career. But in today’s competitive and uncertain job market, even skilled graduates are finding it harder than ever to secure well-paying jobs—raising questions about how well the college prepares students for economic realities.
Butler CC has long marketed itself as an affordable pathway to employment, with programs ranging from nursing and welding to business and IT. The college boasts strong partnerships with local employers and a reported more than 90% job placement rate for certain technical programs. But some recent graduates say those numbers don’t reflect their struggles.
"I finished my EMT certification last year, and I’m still working at Walmart," said Marcus Riley, 22. "There are openings, but they either want years of experience or pay barely above minimum wage."
Riley isn’t alone. While Butler’s Career Services department helps with resumes and job fairs, students in fields like manufacturing, education and even healthcare report that employers are cutting back on hiring, offering lower wages or favoring candidates with bachelor’s degrees.
The national job market has sent mixed signals in recent years. Unemployment remains low, but wages haven’t kept up with inflation, and many industries—including retail, tech and manufacturing—have slowed hiring due to economic uncertainty.
"Even with my associate degree in IT, most jobs want certifications I don’t have or pay $15 an hour," said Alicia Torres, a 2023 graduate. "I thought Butler would set me up better."
Not all graduates are struggling though. Those in nursing, welding and auto technology still report strong job prospects, thanks to persistent labor shortages.
Some people hold that the trades are where the jobs are. Students who go into these fields usually have offers before they graduate. But for others, the dream of a quick, lucrative career after community college is fading—forcing many to consider more education or relocating for work.
Butler CC remains a vital resource for Kansas students, but as the job market tightens, the institution may need to rethink how it prepares graduates for an economy that’s leaving many behind.