The signing ceremony for the welding school opening in Hillsboro through Butler Community College speaks to one of the poor judgments made by our state educational system. In recent decades schools have been told to prepare students for college to such an extent that vocational education has suffered. As a result, fewer high school students are aware of career opportunities in vocational fields, much less encouraged to explore them. Today, we have a shortage of skilled workers to fill our factories and service businesses.
College is a noble goal, but so is pursuing a career in the skilled trades—and those opportunities should be portrayed and promoted in a positive light. Not everyone is cut out for college, just like not everyone would fare well in the trade fields. Students need to find a path to success that fits their skill set and interests.
Thanks, Butler Community College, for the investment you’re making to fill the void here. —DR
