01/22/2020
I came across the following story in another group. It is VERY important that we understand this and consider the ramifications!
"In the position I'm in now I am visiting numerous manufacturing facilities. It's amazing how many are in need of skilled tradesmen. Today seemed to focus on welders.
The owner of my company shared a story that happened recently. Something I think homeschoolers ought to make note of.
A owner of a small/ Medium manufacturing company is/was feeling a major pinch with lack of skilled tradesmen, especially welders. To help relieve his problem he thought he would invite the area high school students to tour his facility in hopes of possibly getting some students interested in the trades. Many came, along with some teachers and principals. It was a good day and at the end the business owner spoke with the students and told them of his story.
He went to college for 1yr. Partied the whole year and ended up with a load of debt. Left college took up welding. After a few years he moved up to master welder, then plant manager, then eventually owner of a company. He told the students that one can do very well without going to college And the trades NEED people.
After the students went out to the bus one of the principal's came back in and asked to talk to the owner. He said to the owner, "you can't talk to the students like that." Thinking he inadvertently swore or something he apologized if he did. Official said, "oh you didn't swear. You can't tell the students they don't need to go to college. " Owner asked why not since the are other ways, sometimes better ways, of making a living. Principal said the schools are evaluated on the percentage of student that go on to college. Owner getting a little perturbed said, "I have three personal friends that are teachers in your schools locally. I also have welders that work for me that I know for a fact make 2 1/2 times what either of the teachers make and you're telling me you don't want the student to know about that information." The principal said yes and turned around and left.
Remember homeschoolers there is more than one way for your children be productive. College is fine but isn't for everyone and definitely isn't a guarantee of success."
