More Skills USA

So who is going to fix our cars when this generation of mechanics and auto body specialists retires? And build our houses, and put in (and fix) our plumbing, wiring, heating and air conditioning? And build and maintain our roads and bridges? And cook and serve food in our restaurants? And cut our hair and do our nails? And take care of us in the hospital or nursing home?

Here is a list of the contests that are a part of the Nebraska Skills USA Competition:
3-D Visualization
Advertising and Design
Architectural Drafting
Architectural BluePrint Reading
Automated Manufacturing Technology
Automotive Parts
Automotive Service Technology
Automotive Refinishing
Basic Health Care Skills
CNC Turning and Mill
Cabinetmaking
Carpentry
Collision Repair Technology
Commercial Baking
Commercial Photography
Computer Maintenance
Cosmetology
Criminal Justice
Culinary Arts
Customer Service
Diesel Equipment Technology
Crime Scene Investigation
Electronics Applications
Electronics Technology
Firefighting
First Aid/CPR
Food and Beverage Service
Internetworking
Industrial Motor Control
Job Skill Demonstrations
Mechatronics
Medical Assisting
Metric 500
Motorcycle Service Technology
Nurse Assisting
Photography
Plumbing
Power Equipment Technology
Precision Machining Technology
Pre-School Teaching Assistant
Related Technical Math
Residential Wiring
Sheetmetal
Structural Steel
TeamWorks
Technical Computer Applications
Technical Drafting
Television (Video) Production
GMAW Welding
GTAW Welding
SMAW Welding
Welding Post Secondary
Oxy-Acetylene Welding
Welding Fabrication
Web Design

The Champions from Nebraska's competition will go on to Nationals. They will be offered scholarships and job opportunities. Right out of high school or with a two-year degree, these talented young people can take up a career that is productive and rewarding.

According to the instructor I spoke to, graduates of the two-year electrical program at Mid-Plains Community College can command wages of up to $80,000.00 per year. And that is without the crippling student loan debt that it takes to go to a four-year college.

Now don't get me wrong. I see the need for both white collar and blue collar jobs. Both four-year colleges and two-year colleges and technical schools have their merits.

I just know who I am going to call when my furnace isn't heating during a cold Nebraska winter (or spring, as the case may be). I can only hope that there is someone out there who can do the job.

Something to think about.

Thanks for stopping by. The coffee is always on.