[FITZ]

They don't have enough of these programs in every school. I used to disagree with those programs --- but lately from what I've seen --- it's obvious many kids aren't headed for college --- they should just get started on real careers now.

[XBob]

61 - That's too bad they don't have many of those programs anymore. They can do great things.

It is one of the places that the great German craftsmanship and trademen come from.

In their system (at least the way it was when I was there in the 70's), they divide the kids in about 8th grade, those who are going to be 'workers' and those who are going after more education. For the 'workers', they start 7-8 year apprenticeship programs. For others they go on to 'hoch schule', where when they graduate, they are basically about two years ahead of our students here, before they go on to college.

So, they get fine craftsmen and fine scholars. One size does not fit all.

[itsahoot]

they should just get started on real careers now.

I used to tell mine, no need to study, just go steal a grocery cart and start their career early.