[Zeke]

With public colleges now at $8000 per year if you live at home, I see reason to explore the trades. But will they?

When I was in welding school as a hobbyist, I saw a lot of young guys headed into that field. There is a shortage of certified welders. But, inside work pays 20 bucks and outside some more. Benefits are weak, work is not always steady and it's damn hard work.

I really don't think there's enough attraction for that. And after 30 years at age 50 you'll feel like that short stub of burned rod on the ground. Then what, carry mail? If we want excellent tradespeople, we need to recognize them.