The U.S. Needs More Apprenticeship
A nationwide shortage of trade workers had led many businesses and politicians to support more trade education and apprenticeship programs. I addressed this in a previous blog. What is meant by apprenticeship? The term is loosely used to describe a variety of on-the-job training (OJT) programs, but true apprenticeship involves a more formal structure of […]
Generation Z Decides to Skip College Debt
Every generation becomes known by their shared characteristics. One of these traits for Generation Z is practicality, and it’s why there’s a gradual uptick in interest in vocational schools as opposed to four-year colleges. Gen-Z practicality follows the thought process that success isn’t just measured by how much money you can make with a college […]
Why Does College Cost So Much?
In my last blog I addressed the phenomenal growth of people attending college. In 1940 only around 5% of Americans held a college degree. Now, the figure is over 35%, and around two-thirds of Americans have attended college at some point. Along the way has come an even more dramatic increase in the cost of […]
Student Loan Crisis Worsens
There’s good news and bad news. Since 1970, wages in America have increased 67 percent., but college tuition has grown faster. Many high school students have no choice but to take out student loans. The result is that student loan debt is now the second-highest consumer debt category. According to Forbes, we owe more in […]
What’s In It For Them?
In my last blog, I pointed out that in many cases no experience is necessary for people looking at a trade career. Many employers, trade service firms in particular, place a higher value on personality than past experience. As long as you have a mechanical aptitude, they can train you in a relatively short time […]
The Top Benefits You Need To Know About Apprenticeships
Certain careers – like those in the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC industries – have highly specific educational requirements that just aren’t met with a traditional four-year college degree. These are high-paying jobs that are more suited for an alternative approach. Apprenticeship programs have been a proven way for people to train and become plumbers, electricians, […]
Final Apprenticeship Report Is In
On June 15, 2017, President Trump issued E.O. 13801, Expanding Apprenticeships in America, which directed the Secretary of Labor to establish a Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion to identify strategies and proposals to promote apprenticeships. Apprenticeship programs allow workers to develop occupational skills and receive work-based training, classroom instruction, and mentorship all while performing productive […]
Is College Really the Only Way to Do It?
Who’s right and who’s wrong? Do a quick search online and you find ample arguments on both sides about the value of a college education. Some say college is overrated and not necessary. Others say you’re unlikely to succeed without a college degree. College is not a guarantee of anything. Ultimately, your success in life […]
What Actually Matters Many Years After College
“Where did you go to school?” asks best-selling author Seth Godin. In a recent blog post, the well-respected marketer suggests that the question really only matters for a short period of time. Godin is known for his super-brief blog posts. He’s “old school” in that there aren’t any bells and whistles to his website. It’s […]
A Registered Apprenticeship: Why The Designation Matters
Last year, both the federal government and private industry stepped forward to push the growth of apprenticeships in the United States. On the private side, it came from none other than Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff. He called for creating five million apprenticeships in the next five years. Silicon Valley companies are known for measuring success […]