Although an eagerness to enter into the workplace might make skipping the step of obtaining an education tempting, doing so would likely prove a poor choice. Education and training are pivotal to ensuring that employees possess the knowledge necessary to effectively carry out their job duties. Because employers know of this importance, they often seek candidates who are educated, and plan training to ensure that their workers remain up-to-date. If you are debating between stepping into the workforce or taking a detour to get some more education, consider the benefits that obtaining an education can provide.

More Job Opportunities

Because many jobs require education, individuals who are educated have access to a larger array of jobs. By selecting fields in which they hold interest, and seeking education in these specific industries, individuals can ensure that they are precluded from jobs they wish to hold by their lack of education.

Decreased Risk of Unemployment

Individuals who are undereducated are more likely to find themselves unemployed, reports the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. This increased risk of unemployment likely stems, at least in part, from the fact that these individuals aren’t qualified for as many jobs as their educated counterparts.

Higher Earning Potential

As the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports, the amount of education an individual obtains has a major impact on that person’s earning potential. BLS states that individuals with only a high school diploma earned on average $626 a week in 2009, and those with a bachelor's degree earned $1,025 a week during the same year. Those who hold graduate degrees earn even more, according to BLS statistics, indicating that there is a direct correlation between the money spent on education and the money you earn with a college degree.

Improved Productivity

Many employers opt to train their employees in an attempt to increase productivity. The better an employee knows his job, the more quickly and effectively he can complete it. Because of this productivity boost, on-the-job training and professional development are commonplace in the workplace.

Lower Risk of Working Accidents

When workers are fully trained on safety procedures, they are less likely to suffer on-the-job injuries. Many state departments of labor require this training. Conscientious employers plan this type of training, and engage employees in it, even when it isn’t required because doing so benefits their employees greatly.