I have a couple of comments about the article by Judy Steffes of the Washington County Insider regarding MPTC’s consideration into cutting the Building/Trades Construction Program.Without doing any in-depth research, I am personally concerned that Moraine Park is dropping the ball.

I am intending to look into this in greater detail, however, over the next few weeks.

JESSE’S COMMENTS:
#1. Building is beginning a strong exit to a deep recession and it may take a little bit more time until this is realized in the school system as skilled workers become more difficult to acquire.

#2. The trades are very good paying, middle class family jobs that are in high demand. They are, for whatever reason, poo-pooed by the elitists of our state.

#3. Has the administration looked into unique ideas similar to the European approach? How about working to partner with local school districts and begin college trade courses at the high school level.

MOST IMPORTANTLY #4. Our children get it drilled into their heads that the only clear path to a good paying job is a four year degree. BUNK! My approach in college was, get the two year degree, have two years of real-world experience under my belt before my peer bachelor graduates (who didn’t even get all of the certifications that I had) made it to the work force, and I can always take courses a few years down the road to complete that degree if I needed it.

I haven’t to this day and have NEVER had a problem finding a job by not having a four year degree.