Reply #7: So many going back to college take history rather than welding...

[bhikkhu]

I understand the "OP is bullshit" perspective, and there is undoubtedly some of that going on, but there is also a shortage of people learning skilled labor.

I know in my little niche field of mechanics, I had to work hard to get in, and I was interested to begin with because it was a challenge. I read old manuals, asked questions, and learned enough to pass a certification test, which raised the eyebrows of my employer at the time enough to put me with one of the old timers for two weeks, after which I was on my own and did fine. I've lived all over the country since then and have never had a problem getting a job. In the current recession I've been secure - fortunately.

One thing that has bothered me over the years - 25 on the job now - is that I don't know anyone younger than me that knows how to do my job, I've never had a trainee anywhere, and I've never worked with anyone that seemed especially inclined to learn.

I've heard from other people - railroaders and electricians that I know - enough stories like the OP to make me believe its is a real problem. Manual labor, skilled labor, technical work, stuff that's hard to learn and gets your hands dirty, and where you might have to be more or less outdoors a lot - that's not what people who are out of work are learning to do, and not what kids coming into the workforce seem interested in doing.