As article in Texas Business Today, Fourth Quarter 2012 on page 2 by Texas
Workforce Commissioner Tom Pauken states that there is a serious problem
nationwide with the supply of workers entering the skilled trades.
Quoting from the article:
At the state level, I am working to change a
one-size-fits-all approach handed down from Austin that tries to push every
high school student to college.
Yes, college is a good choice for some
students. The state should continue its efforts to encourage first-generation
and low-income college students. But state government needs to stop sending the
message that college is the only path to an honorable or fulfilling
career. Many skilled trades make more
money and have a better work-life balance that the average college student.
We need more pipefitters, auto mechanics, air
conditioning repair specialists, plumbers, welders, factory workers, nurses,
and other skilled trades. These are
honorable careers for honorable people.
State government should not pressure students
into a college preparatory curriculum, but rather should encourage schools to
work with both higher education and business to create multiple pathways to a
successful, meaningful high school diploma.
Then let students and parents choose the path their career should take.
Today there are numerous job openings for
skilled workers. I encourage all
unemployed to investigate training opportunities which will lead to meaningful
employment as a skilled worker.
Please share your feelings about technical
skill training and college degrees by posting a comment or emailing me at
glynjordan@gmail.com.
Thanks, Glyn
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