Guess we might chalk that up to regional differences, around here employees have a wide range of possibilities (including paid apprenticeships that likely come

Guess we might chalk that up to regional differences, around here employees have a wide range of possibilities (including paid apprenticeships that likely come close to what you have in mind) and switching industries afterwards is kind of rare, at least in mentally demanding positions. I don't really see your side note happening here in Germany, for higher level positions dropping degree requirements is (in my experience) usually only done post factum if a fitting applicant happens to appear, usually with relevant experience instead. In my view that reflects a lack of formal education in the applicant pool more than it does changing requirements in the market.