Very often it is said that America’s schools need to educate students for the jobs that are currently available in America. In the new world economy, basics like reading, writing and math skills certainly remain important, along with career paths in medicine, education, law, research and development, or operating a small business. But America’s schools must expand trade classes like: plumbing, heating and air conditioning, welding, construction and manufacturing. These are jobs that are needed in America RIGHT NOW to avoid further outsourcing of jobs overseas.

I do not understand why the news media is not reporting the fact that 10,000 Americans are retiring from the workforce EVERY DAY and that a large portion of the people retiring represent skilled trades. Without a new focus on what needs to be taught in America’s schools, young people are unaware of the skills that are needed to replenish America’s workforce. Trade and Industrial Arts programs need to be promoted so students are ready to join America’s workforce upon graduation.

I bring up the need to expand the Trades and Industrial Arts Programs because this is the time of year when school boards are meeting to make budget plans for the next academic year. The news media reports that America does not have enough skilled workers, but doesn’t report on the reasons why we don’t have enough skilled workers or offer solutions from some of America’s prominent educators.

To help alert the right people, I urge parents and all taxpayers to contact school principals and school board members and ask for a written report on the type of programs they offer to prepare students for today’s workforce. Ask them who is in charge of Trade and Industrial Art Programs and ask about any information that is posted on the Internet so you can review the information yourself. Remember, it’s every taxpayer’s dollars that help educate America’s young people in public schools so don’t hesitate to ask questions and expect answers.

This is Michael Blichasz. Every Wednesday from 11 A.M. to 12 noon, tune in to American Workers Radio on 860 AM serving Philadelphia and the Tri-State area. You can also listen live or to rebroadcasts from anywhere in the world from the easy access links located on the front page of: AmericanWorkersRadio.com.