Blog

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

“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...