This week on Educationally Speaking we continue our review of the lack of skilled trade workers for critical manufacturing and defense related industry. What is driving the shortage in these jobs? Why are today’s students exiting high school with a negative view of the trades as viable careers? Dr. Quentin Kidd of CNU and the Wason Center for Public Policy decided to pursue parents' perceptions of the skilled trades as a potential career for their children. The poll revealed that most parents encouraged their children to pursue prestigious jobs like doctors or lawyers. Further, parents' views of prestige affects their support of vocational education which often leads to employment in the skilled trades. Kidd says he heard that the local industry leaders were having difficulty filling positions leading him to pursue a poll of attitudes about the skilled trades as a career.

Educationally Speaking airs weekdays at 11: 04 a.m. on 89.5 WHRV FM. Listen to past episodes. 

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