[Laneco]

My husband, Steve, is a journeyman electrician. At the time he joined the program, it was 5 years of combined classroom/on-the-job training. I believe it 's four years now. He has always felt very strongly this program, and about the chances it gave to people like him. Guys who were willing to work hard, who were good with their hands, but weren't going on to a four year degree.

Steve taught the weekend classes for several years with the 1st and 2nd year apprententices. He's always kept apprentices on the jobsites as well. Not as cheap labor (apprentices make less than journeyman) but to actually teach them the skills they need to do their job, and the tricks to making good work even better.

Mike Rowe is right. We need to recruit people who build things. Not as an "alternative" to college, in the lesser sense that it is offered, but as an equal path which it should be.

angela