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MaryPat's avatar

While I applaud this plan, I am disappointed that the emphasis here on funding 2 years of post-secondary education either does not explicitly include "the trades" (an expert service worker is fixing my washing machine as I write) or minimizes it, perhaps including it under "or certificate." Reading "Head, Hand, Heart" by David Goodhart (I HIGHLY recommend this book) has substantiated my conviction that the USA is losing out by not valuing the trades, not providing apprenticeships, and not valuing the gifts of folks who "work with their hands and heart." If these programs are included, it should be outlined in this White House document. Our democracy depends on it.

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Christine (FL)'s avatar

I have been working with another forum and OAC focusing on education issues. Vocational ed… the trades.. bring a stronger picture, plan, and path for students in middle school and high school to follow and to prepare for that post secondary route.

I am confident a growing focus and support will be there. So glad you brought it up MaryPat. Let’s follow that thread as infrastructure details get more in place.

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Lynell(VA by way of MD&DC)'s avatar

Thank you, MaryPat, for wanting to include the trades. My husband is one such, and is damned good at it; in fact, he's damned good at most all of it, though he doesn't touch electric! His head is pretty up there, too, as well as his heart. (OMG, I sound like a female chauvinist!)

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Beth's avatar

Could not agree more. It's impossible to get anyone in to do a repair and has been for years now. The trades are hard work but absolutely necessary; they haven't gotten the status they deserve and need to attract young people to them.

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Mary McGee Heins's avatar

Thanks, MaryPat! Needs to be right alongside "2 years of post-secondary." I assumed that is what it refers to, however, b/c many tech schools, community colleges are 2-year programs, or thereabouts. Where would we be with out those electricians, plumbers, and HVAC people in our houses every day! Yikes!

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