Are shop classes and skilled trades disappearing?

[Aloha]

I haven't seen a full service station in my area for YEARS. 

I worked in a machine/metal fabrication shop when I was younger.  I wasn't interested in learning that trade ( really bummed about it now ) as I was in college at the time.  Many of the guys learned the trade either from a father who was in the trade or while on the job or a few while incarcerated.

At the time (early 90's) the guys were a rough crowd.  While I can agree a kid coming from HS to a trade will need to be book smart I can tell you from my experience in that shop guys did not go to school to learn the trade. 

I work with a builder whose son finished college and is being groomed by his dad ( owner ) to take over the company.  This kid has a smurf ton to learn about how "it" all works.

Not taking away from school at all.  Hell I went to culinary school and learned a lot.  It was years in the kitchen however that really taught me the rest.  Food costs and what it takes to be profitable in that business were and are very important.  I loved how in some countries young hopeful chefs learned the "hard way".  Here anyone who can cook a meal is a chef  .   

What seems to be missing is opportunities for apprenticeships IMO.  Kids to learn a trade getting their hands dirty.  I don't think companies have the ability to teach and pay a guy.  I also know many companies are not willing as a result of the person learning the trade and then moving on to another company asking for more money with his new skill set.           

[Whoey]

Seems like companies are not so loyal either, if you keep an employee happy why would they move on unless you aren't paying them fairly even if you did train them.

Having dabbled in a bunch of fields I'm still sort of where I was when I was in high school, at a total loss for what to work in, or what skills/training might be useful for my next job...

[Aloha]

Seems like companies are not so loyal either, if you keep an employee happy why would they move on unless you aren't paying them fairly even if you did train them.

Having dabbled in a bunch of fields I'm still sort of where I was when I was in high school, at a total loss for what to work in, or what skills/training might be useful for my next job...

I agree that both employees and companies lack loyalty.  Learning a trade can keep one employed mostly.  I know a few woodworkers who have become finish carpenters as a result of lack of business in what they'd like to build.  I also know a few painters who wished they could do more custom work rather than basic stuff. 

My mechanic has been in the business and grown for 30 years.  He hasn't worked on cars in about 20.  I think one can still carve out a decent living ( depends on what that means to you ) in a trade. 

I struck out on my own in 01' and struggled till about 04'.  I've been up and down and all over the place since with the economy but I survive because my lifestyle is very simple. 

I wonder if kids think the trades aren't where the money is at?  Maybe they equate a financial success with success?

[Grant Lamontagne]

what I'm wondering is, if the kids these days don't have skills to fill their gas, who is working the full service stations? 

Old retired people

Yeah, it certainly does seem to be.

Def

[chrono]

My workplace offers 4-year apprenticeship to employees (CNC machine operators) who are interest. They go to a trade school at night to earn their papers. While in school, they do not get pay raise (or so I heard), but will get a few dollar jump once completing the program. Not a bad scheme to retain people. I can't comment on the quality of the program though. Some highly respected operators working there for a long time did not participate in the program, though I am sure they are paid adequately for their skills.

[ToolJoe]

I think the lack of people pursuing trades is a reason to consider them even more due to shortages of people going into them..

[Okie Shyster]

It's ironic that with the U.S. job market being in the toilet and more and more jobs being outsourced and going off-shore, there is a shortage of people training for skilled trades jobs that can't be outsourced.  In the future, those will be the jobs with real job security and in demand.  And many of them pay pretty well, too.

For an interesting book on the subject read Shop Class as Soul Craft by Matthew Crawford.  It's a good read.

[Aloha]

It's ironic that with the U.S. job market being in the toilet and more and more jobs being outsourced and going off-shore, there is a shortage of people training for skilled trades jobs that can't be outsourced.  In the future, those will be the jobs with real job security and in demand.  And many of them pay pretty well, too.

For an interesting book on the subject read Shop Class as Soul Craft by Matthew Crawford.  It's a good read.

Very good point.  This is true for any country who outsources jobs.  Try finding a good Tayor or Shoemaker.  At one point I was really considering becoming a locksmith.  Another career I should have pursued.  The one thing I do really regret was learning to weld when I had the chance.