Originally Posted by
YVR Cockroach
I'd agree. I think a great many would do better going to trade school than getting (hopefully) some college degree with poor job prospects. Even 4 years ago, I had a brief discussion with the manager/owner of a HVAC service business who told me he had to advertise nationally for technicians. Joke here is that they were (and still are) not only hiring anyone who can swing a hammer straight, but anyone who can swing one kind of straight. Some trades jobs wear out the body faster than others though, but also some
moderate life long physical activity might be good.
Most of the country is in desperate need of tradespeople and has been for many years. 20-30 years ago high schools started suggesting/insisting that EVERYONE should go to college and get a degree. Industrial arts classes were cut back or eliminated at most high schools. This is the result. I'm currently 1 month in on a 15 month wait to get a new roof on my house. I recently waited 10 weeks to get a head gasket replaced on a diesel pickup by a competent shop. It goes on and on. In most of CA, it's normal for halfway smart construction tradesmen to make $125K/yr or more. In many areas, Electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and others are making $80-110/Hr + benefits, and people are waiting weeks or months for their services. It's a crying shame more young people don't take advantage.
Meanwhile, virtually every restaurant and bar in Northern CA is still short staffed to the point they have reduced hours/days, capacity limits, long wait times, and even have to close suddenly for a day or more if staff doesn't show up. Many have signs posted asking customers to be patient due to staffing shortages. On the plus side, it looks like maybe, finally, staffing is starting to increase, barely. I hope we have turned the corner.