Not to put too fine a point on it ... but most of the jobs that would use those sorts of skills have been sent overseas, or are currently occupied by illegal immigrants. The entry-level jobs they could get probably wouldn't pay enough to attract the folks who know they can get a better deal on welfare.
And, of course, "teaching skills" has a difficult time dealing with kids who have been raised in an utterly poisonous culture. Teaching skills "disrespects" them. Trying hard in school is derided as "acting white." Thug-culture is king.
Seems to me that serious welfare reform would go a long way to addressing the problem. And I think, too, that requiring the name of the father on the birth certificate as a prerequisite for aid -- and failure to support should be punished severely.
We need to separate those kids who want an education from those who don’t so they don’t impede the productive kids. If the parents don’t care, niether will the kids.
There are plenty of “skilled” trades out there that those not cut out for college can learn and which have not been sent overseas - ever tried to get your furnace repaired by someone in Pakistan?
There is an apparent cultural stigmatism that is rampant in todays society where being too “white” has penalties in your neighborhood. But, that does not mean there are no opportunities - just people not willing to explore them.
I agree that “serious” welfare reform is needed on a country-wide basis, and having the father identified before any welfare is obtained is a great idea.