As a tradesman, I whole heartily agree. At the same time, parents need be more proactive teaching the value of “hands on” work/ tasks in general. Currently there are not many entering trades, and a good chunk of the ones that do, dont understand whats involved once they get there, and wash out. Physical work and learning dedication begin at home like everything else.

Bingo!! Recently went for early retirement from construction, got into a quiet trade for the most part, drywall finisher. Over the years it went from being the only trade on the job for our part of the project. Now because of contruction managing companies istead of General contractors, college grad book smart kids rather than skille craftsmen, trades on top of trades. Had had enough of out working and performing and covering their mistakes of 20 something know it all while in reality knowing nothing so called Journeyman with 6 months of experience and zero work ethic, at 62, middle management, informing my higher ups that the future of constructiion is looking grim. What the “elite” really don’t comprehend is without those that learned and became skilled in our trades, they have no buildings, no homes, no protection from the elements. Stop indoctrinating and start educating. Trade schools are the future along with applicable education.

@techstartupmom What a great idea! Thanks for the link and all your hard work. Maybe the shift is on it’s way.

Get rid of all "degrees"

Test for applicable skills

My son is 14 and learning. When he was 4 I had to hide the screwdriver because he took screws out of everything he could find and bring me a handful. I wouldn't know where they came from until a cabinet door fell off or something. Now he's the one who reads the instructions and puts our furniture or whatever together. If he doesn't know how to do something, he'll look it up on youtube and figure it out. You can literally learn anything on youtube. He also puts all the groceries away because he likes to know where things are and he holds doors open for women and anyone older than him. He still has alot to learn but he's well on his way to becoming a man.