Skilled Labor

Mike Rowe, television personality and host of TV show Dirty Jobs, testified before congress recently (http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/dirtyjobs/mike-rowe-senate-testimony.html) about a topic that has been on everyone's mind… jobs, or lack of them. This is the story of tens of thousands of high paying positions that cannot be filled because there is no one with the requisite training to do them.

At a time when an ever larger number of students are going into four year colleges, and a record number are taking more than 6 years to finish, or not finishing at all, skilled trades that involve labor are in great demand. Throughout the country, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and auto mechanics continue to be in great demand, yet fewer and fewer are being trained to do the work. Lacking the appeal of white-collar office work, these critical trades are increasingly disregarded, and this situation is unlikely to change anytime soon.

More than anything else, Rowe’s testimony reminds me of a fantastic book written by Michael B. Crawford, Shop Class as Soulcraft, where he speaks of the monetary, intellectual and physical virtues of manual labor, relative to information work. The essay on which the book is based can be found at the New Atlantis site, and is well worth reading. (http://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/shop-class-as-soulcraft).

Is this a license to skip college? Not a chance. If we are discussing employment, it is worth mentioning that unemployment among college grads is close to 4%, well below the national average. However it is a license for some introspection and personal reflection as to WHY we are going down the path we are on, and just what it is we are seeking to get from that path. If the answers to that question take you into an unexpected direction, and you find something you like, keep an open mind. It is your future; make sure you know what you want from it.

With this in mind, if you are one of the many young people who are not clear about the future path that it is your own personal best, remember our mission at oneTRUEzone is to help you discover that path. We are here to help you, and welcome the opportunity to lead you to the future that is right for you!