Can Apprenticeship Programs Help In Making Donald Trump's Manufacturing Job Revival Plan Possible?

The Parent Herald ^ | November 21, 2016 | Olivia Etienne

[2ndDivisionVet]

The victory of Republican presidential bet, Donald Trump, in the recent presidential elections comes with the soon fulfillment of his promise to resurrect the withered manufacturing sector. Prior to 1980s, the sector is bustling with eight-hour-a-day workers striving with a profitable yet laborious job while possessing only a high school diploma.

But now, times have changed and so are the industry's demands. Unlike in the '80s, most manufacturing jobs now require a higher degree of education. While Donald Trump's aim to revive the industry is a shot to the moon, it can be achieved through apprenticeship programs, which will help workers earn in-demand skills.

Jeffrey Selingo wrote in a Washington Post piece that globalization and advancement of technology make Donald Trump's pre-election promise hard to achieve. Manufacturing houses now require only fewer people to do the production. Machines, if any, now necessitate high-tech skills that some are only able to get a post-high school education.

Citing a mobile technology company as an example, Siemens was said to have a hard time sifting through thousands of applicants for a manufacturing post. Apparently, the applicants, mostly high school graduates, lack the skills fit for the job....

[M1903A1]

That was my observation as well, when I tried to pursue apprenticeships in the machine trades years ago. Companies lamenting the inability to find workers...yet unwilling to train them. And the local community colleges had just ended or were winding down their machine training programs.

I managed to train myself to do some of the work, and I still enjoy turning a crank or wielding a hand tool when opportunity allows...but it’s an opportunity lost.

[JennysCool]

I was very happy to see Norm Abram of “This Old House” talking up the construction trades and recommending apprenticeships as an alternative to college. The show is soon to announce an apprenticeship program. It’s a great idea.

[T-Bird45]

“The show is soon to announce an apprenticeship program.”

As noted @ #13 above:

http://mikerowe.com/2016/11/a-big-thanks-to-those-in-the-house/

[dila813]

There are young people that don’t know how to tie a shoe, you better believe that we are going to need Apprenticeship Programs.

We have to bring back the exception to the Fed Min Wage and for States to get Education funding, they have to do the same.

Apprenticeship should be only slightly better than an unpaid internship, you are learning valuable skills and getting paid.

[JennysCool]

Thanks! Great statement!