Shop class needs a shot in the arm

“Good article. But looking ‘beyond’ just the shortages of trade jobs and asking why young people aren’t entering these trades, particularly, is needed. I think it has to do with our schools not emphasizing the trades and focusing on the classrooms with only desks, a whiteboard and the student’s computer. Shop classes need more money and skill to teach [and] more liability around the machines, and many schools have ‘dumped’ them. Another failure of our educational system, in my opinion.”
— Ward Conger, Ellensburg

Don’t forget the benefits of union jobs

“I appreciate bringing this career opportunity to people’s attention, but by not covering the unionized apprenticeship programs, you’re missing out how rewarding this career path can really be. One of the most significant benefits is the fact that the workers don’t have to renegotiate wages and benefits every time they change contractors due to changing workloads at the contractors’ level; it’s set by the collective bargaining contract. One of the greatest things about being a union construction worker is the ability to retire with a real pension and retirement health benefits early enough to actually enjoy retirement! This is all on top of the enormous job satisfaction you get from building cool projects and facilities!”
— Louis Szabo, Kula Maui, Hawaii