Most Virginia government jobs will be open to high school graduates, beginning July 1.

With agencies struggling to fill vacancies, Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin on Tuesday announced what he described as a landmark change in how the state competes to fill the 20,000 vacancies that its agencies advertise each year.

Following Maryland and North Carolina, Gov. Youngkin stated that he was ending college degree requirements for almost 90% of the state’s classified positions – a dramatic change that could soon be copied among local governments who also have jobs going begging.

“This key reform will expand opportunities for qualified applicants who are ready to serve Virginia,” the governor stated, as well as holding the potential to dramatically expand the pool of applicants seeking jobs that come with reasonable pay, health care and pensions.

State Secretary of Administration Margaret “Lyn” McDermid, stated that this revamped approach will allow state recruiters and human resources personnel to focus on each applicant’s work experience, knowledge and ability rather than their degrees.

“As an employer, state government has one the most diverse occupational portfolios,” she continued. “Our employees design, build, manage and sustain public services across hundreds of lines of business. It is a smart practice to consider job applicants who have experience solving real world problems.”

State Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater called the change great news for “state government and all job seekers. We are opening a sea of opportunity at all levels of employment for industrious individuals who are willing to serve the people of this state.”