Andy Portera’s Post

WEDNESDAY WHO’S WHO   The year 1981 for our Year 10 students at CBC was marked with a blend of social events, outdoor activities, and an expanded curriculum that introduced practical trade skills and essential life skills. Highlights were noted as the barbecue with St. Ann's and the Year 10 Walk along the coast to Childers Cove. However perhaps the most significant was the continued broadening of the Year 10 curriculum to engage students in subjects and careers to include practical trade training. Through a collaboration with Warrnambool Technical College, students were given opportunities to gain hands-on experience in various trades, including building construction, motor maintenance, plumbing, welding and typing. With the curriculum recognising the importance of practical life skills, students also gained access to pre-driver training.  These courses aimed to prepare students for real-world responsibilities, enhancing their independence and readiness for adulthood.   Who are the familiar faces you can find among Year 10 Red, now the Class of 1983? #wednesdaywhoswho #emmanuelalumni #connectedasone

I find it encouraging to see what I consider a positive trend in the labor market as more Gen Zers are going into skilled trades as opposed to a traditional four-year college degree. Enrollment in vocational training programs is increasing as four-year college enrollment is falling. I think it is OK to admit that college isn’t for everyone and there is a severe shortage of skilled tradespeople. The median pay for new constructions workers was $48K, while new hires in professional services median pay was $39K. Money isn’t everything, and job satisfaction can be higher as well in the trades. I can only see this trend continue as the cost of four year degrees continues to rise. https://lnkd.in/gHWKUHFq

The skilled trades are newly appealing to the youngest cohort of American workers as enrollment in vocational training programs is surging, rising 16% last year to its highest level since tracking such data began in 2018. The Wall Street Journal article below explores the factors impacting the increase and how a shortage of skilled tradespeople and diversion from the traditional college path have affected the shift. #labor #GenZ

The skilled trades are newly appealing to the youngest cohort of American workers as enrollment in vocational training programs is surging, rising 16% last year to its highest level since tracking such data began in 2018. The Wall Street Journal article below explores the factors impacting the increase and how a shortage of skilled tradespeople and diversion from the traditional college path have affected the shift. #labor #GenZ

The skilled trades are newly appealing to the youngest cohort of American workers as enrollment in vocational training programs is surging, rising 16% last year to its highest level since tracking such data began in 2018. The Wall Street Journal article below explores the factors impacting the increase and how a shortage of skilled tradespeople and diversion from the traditional college path have affected the shift. #labor #GenZ

New data: Gen Z is increasingly interested in vocational trades. While there are likely to be many societal benefits resulting from this shift in behavior, it’s also something of a canary in the coal mine for the business model underlying higher education. It’s true that degrees demonstrate a range of skills and perseverance necessary to succeed in a variety of roles outside a given field of study. But as a higher share of students chose alternative paths, greater support towards similar credentials are much needed. My view? More broadly implemented and funded apprenticeships could change this reality of education vs experience from an either-or, to a yes-and. Curious to hear if you agree or disagree. #GenZ #Work #Education https://lnkd.in/eAnAfjzC

The skilled trades are newly appealing to the youngest cohort of American workers as enrollment in vocational training programs is surging, rising 16% last year to its highest level since tracking such data began in 2018. The Wall Street Journal article below explores the factors impacting the increase and how a shortage of skilled tradespeople and diversion from the traditional college path have affected the shift. #labor #GenZ

The skilled trades are newly appealing to the youngest cohort of American workers as enrollment in vocational training programs is surging, rising 16% last year to its highest level since tracking such data began in 2018. The Wall Street Journal article below explores the factors impacting the increase and how a shortage of skilled tradespeople and diversion from the traditional college path have affected the shift. #labor #GenZ

The skilled trades are newly appealing to the youngest cohort of American workers as enrollment in vocational training programs is surging, rising 16% last year to its highest level since tracking such data began in 2018. The Wall Street Journal article below explores the factors impacting the increase and how a shortage of skilled tradespeople and diversion from the traditional college path have affected the shift. #labor #GenZ