Mike Rowe get's it.

[SunsetBengal]

(12-21-2015, 02:20 PM)Belsnickel Wrote: There are empty jobs, though my statement will be contrary to what Au is saying. The jobs Mike is talking about are skilled positions. They may not require a four year degree, but they do often require a trade school and/or a legitimate apprenticeship. These are things that are lacking in this country. There are things being done in an attempt to correct it, but for so many of these positions there are no longer enough people qualified to take on the role. Where I work, for instance, we have two jobs that have been open for over a month that require such skills, but they haven't had enough qualified applicants apply to even close the jobs and have interviews.

There are unskilled jobs that pay a pittance all over the place that people sneer at, and there are skilled jobs that pay better that people aren't qualified for. At least that's what I have been seeing based upon job openings in my area.

You are accurate, about many of those jobs requiring some degree of training.  Fortunately, the Community College system in the US is constantly adapting it's curriculum offerings to include training for whatever the job market is lacking in their particular locale.  Additionally, many companies train in house, or even pay for outsource schooling, should an employee show a desire and aptitude for a particular job that requires specialized skills.

The best part, most community colleges tuition is completely covered through Pell Grants.  Many community colleges offer courses at night, for those that are currently day-time employed.  As you can tell, I am completely sold on the community college system, after my experience there, in my 40's.  The A.A.S. that I earned in mid-life has given me a marketable skill, that has landed me gainful employment with a bright future.