Disconnect

The above video is of Mike Rowe from Discovery's Dirty Jobs speaking before the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on the importance of trade skills/jobs. He makes excellent points about how, in general, this type of knowledge and job is looked down upon by American society, and how important it is that people understand and realize the value of it.

He also make a fantastic point about the disconnect many people have about where the conveniences of their lives come from. They don't think about where food comes from, how electricity is generated, or who makes their clothing. This, in turn, leads to a devaluing of the people and processes that bring them into existence--even though everyone wants/needs them.

Another point touched upon is how there are actually many jobs currently available in skilled labor (~450,00 jobs), but there is a lack of qualified workers. One thing he mentioned that especially rang true to me is how the average age of a third of the skilled labor workforce in Alabama is over the age of 55 and looking to retire, with no one to replace them. This did not surprise me at all, as one of the things my Papa talked about for years before he retired was how Boeing would soon be in a world of hurt because their maintenance people were all aging out of the work force, and there were no noticeable upcoming replacements.

Really I'm not doing the video or Mr. Rowe justice; just click play and watch it.