Reps. Peter Pettalia, Ed McBroom and Joel Johnson learn about skilled-trade and technical jobs that would benefit from House Bills 4465 and 4466.
When a manufacturing company in DeWitt Township posted two job openings last year, they received over 100 applications. But they were almost all for the same job — a computer technician posting that required a college degree and paid $30,000 annually.
The other job was a welding position that required vocational training and paid $60,000 per year. That job only garnered two applications.
Technical jobs for welders, machinists, electricians, plumbers and even construction workers are going unfilled in Michigan, and the need for vocational and skilled-trade programs is growing.
Mike Rowe, host of the Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs, recently did an interview about our nation’s skills gap and what he calls “the diploma dilemma.” Rowe contends that many vocational skills allow workers to write their own ticket in our country, but those success stories aren’t being told.
“You have right now about 3 million jobs in transportation, commerce, and trades that can’t be filled… But these are actually jobs that are not only available but pay well.”
– Mike Rowe, host of Dirty Jobs
Check out the full interview here.
While college may seem like the next logical step for graduating high schoolers, it’s not the only direction their careers can take — and Reps. Joel Johnson and Ed McBroom want to make sure students know that.
That’s why they introduced House Bills 4465 and 4466. The idea behind the legislation, according to Rep. Johnson, is to give high school students an opportunity in these skilled-trades programs and offer some flexibility to the Michigan Merit Curriculum.
The bills provide some much-needed flexibility for students looking to take career and vocational classes during high school, keeping some students away from unnecessary and costly college-loan debt while simultaneously providing businesses across the state with trained, skilled workers. Jobs are being created all across our state under Republican leadership, now it’s time to fill them with skilled workers.
The manufacturing industry is not dead in Michigan, and the possibilities are still there for real careers. We’re preparing these students to get the educations they need to go into these careers after high school.
– Rep. Ed McBroom, sponsor of HB 4466
House Republicans know that a brighter future for Michigan’s children doesn’t just come in one shape and size. Republicans have made it a goal to invest in both higher education and vocational careers so that every student from the next generation can continue to call Michigan home.
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