Craftmanship
??? Bringing Back the Craftsmanship: ??
It's disheartening to see vocational, industrial, and skilled trade classes disappearing from high school curricula. These classes, once foundational for building practical skills and igniting passions, are now being overshadowed by technology, automation, and budget cuts. But let's talk about why these classes are more important than ever and the consequences of their absence.
Remember the thrill of shop class, woodworking, automotive repair, and building construction? These hands-on experiences not only taught us how to craft, fix, and build tangible things but also instilled a sense of accomplishment and pride. They unlocked creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. They were a gateway to diverse and meaningful careers. ?????
So why have they vanished from our schools? The shift towards technology and automation is one culprit. The allure of the digital age has led to a perception that "traditional" skills are less relevant. Additionally, budget cuts have forced schools to make difficult choices, often at the expense of these invaluable programs.
Yet, the benefits of skilled trade education are timeless and profound. These classes teach essential life skills, cultivate work ethic, and expose young minds to diverse career opportunities. They prepare students for roles that cannot be outsourced and ensure a pipeline of skilled professionals in vital industries. ????
I'm sure that, the more mature folks reading this, will remember how difficult it was getting their VCR to work. Statements from frustrated people have been the same for decades. Statements like; "We can put a man on the moon but we can't figure out how this thing works!" Or something like this; "When is somebody going to invent a "thingy" that does this for me?"
I used to be able to change my own oil, replace spark plugs, set the timing, and adjust the brakes on my truck as well. Not so today because it requires sophisticated computers and advanced training. Heck, you can't even find the spark plugs anymore because of all the electronic "do-dads" in the engine compartment! I can hang a door...correctly! When was the last time you replaced a flat tire? We could build furniture, repair a faucet, install pipes, adjust, tweak, replace, and fix just about anything. People knew when to plant crops and grow food. Not so for most people today.
Now... you have to Google it or watch a demonstration on YouTube!
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Today, you learn about a car repair when you are presented with the unbelievable costs associated with your problem. When water is coming from the ceiling, we run around trying to find a trustworthy contractor to "stop the bleeding" ASAP. You call "Saul" when the toilet doesn't flush right. A good thing he took shop class in school, isn't it?
Without these skill-based classes, we risk a skill-"brain dump" as technology increasingly takes over. We risk losing the ability to understand, appreciate, and work with our hands. We risk a future where the gap between creative thinking and manual execution widens. We risk missing out on the sense of accomplishment that comes from transforming raw materials into finished products.
It's time to reimagine the role of vocational and skilled trade education. Let's embrace technology while preserving the essence of craftsmanship. Let's advocate for well-funded, comprehensive educational programs that provide young people with a diverse range of skills and career paths. The convergence of innovation and tradition is possible, and it's vital for shaping well-rounded, capable individuals.
We owe it to our youth to equip them with skills that not only adapt to the changing world but also empower them to shape it. Although advisable and supportive of a college degree, the costs of advanced education have become outrageous! What's the return on the investment? The college dropout rate in America for undergraduate students is?32.9%. (BLS) Education Data).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes that only?46%?of college grads surveyed say they currently work in their field of study. 29% report working in a different field, while 16% of those under age 54 (and therefore not likely retired) say they are currently unemployed. As recent news media has highlighted, the effort to eliminate outrageous, crippling, and almost unrecoverable debt is at the forefront of our minds today. Let's bring back the shop class spirit and cultivate a generation of creators, fixers, and builders who can navigate the complexities of the modern world with competence and confidence before we forget how to do it.
Dr. Mark Zupo - Ed.D. Organizational Leadership ????