With so much debate about minimum and living wages, it’s absurd not to properly fund and support vocational programs (now known as career technical education or “CTE”). This year, President Bush proposed cutting federal funding for vocational programs by nearly half, which could mean $45 million less for Florida, according to the Association for Career and Technical Education. I understand the need for tough academic standards. But realistically, a four-year college education is not for everyone. If it were, we’d have a lot of broken-down $40,000 cars and only one working office toilet.
And I don’t mean to undermine higher education...bachelor’s degrees are also in need in our profession. That’s because blue-collar industries do not just need skilled laborers; we need skilled professionals to fill management positions. I got my start by attending the University of Florida’s School of Building Construction.
Businesses in blue-collar industries must also take the time to mentor young people who show interest in pursuing vocational careers, as well as support educational programs that help foster specific skills. For instance, the Academy of Construction Technologies (ACT) works closely with Orange, Seminole, and Osceola high schools to support continuing education in construction-related industries. ACT needs business sponsors, apprenticeships to offer, and scholarship money. Those of us in the field also can promote blue-collar industries by speaking to high school students who may be interested in vocational jobs. Last year, I volunteered at “Teach-In Day” to talk about construction careers during one of Lyman High School’s construction classes.
Central Florida’s public schools, community colleges, and universities have many strong vocational programs, and they deserve our support and thanks. College preparatory classes are great, but we must not forget the importance of vocational prep courses.
After all, the demand for people who enjoy working with their hands and providing good, quality workmanship is a highly valued commodity that will command much larger salaries in the future. And this labor demand is so valued that it’s unlikely to be replaced by technology or overseas labor.
About the Author
Todd Andrew is the owner of Andrew General Contractors, Inc., a full-service general contractor specializing in commercial, industrial, and retail construction.
