Graduation

GUEST OPINION

I had a talk with my young friend the other day.

I have known him since he was a baby, and he has mowed my lawn for the past few years. He informed me that I would need to find someone else to mow my grass, as he was going to graduate this month. I asked about his plans, and he confessed he didn’t really know what he was going to do.

My situation was much different when I graduated many years ago. I was only seventeen but had committed to a military career. I reported for duty less than a month after graduation. My Mom enjoyed telling about the sheriff who came out to the house demanding to know why I hadn’t registered for the draft. Both my children went to college and spent four years transitioning from adolescents into young adults.

But college is not in my young friend’s future. He has neither the interest nor the money.

I asked him about joining the military. I have known several who have gone that route, not necessarily to become professional soldiers, but to mature and perhaps use the GI Bill to fund higher education.

He didn’t completely decline that option, but thought it might be a last resort. I haven’t talked to him about the trades, but I will. One of my ex-students owns the local auto repair shop. His path went from tech school, then employment by a large operation where he gained experience, and finally starting his own business. I need to get the two of them together for a talk.

College is not for everyone. Skilled trades are the backbone of any community. Good painters have a long waiting list, as do electricians and roofers. I have a nephew who works construction and specializes in interiors. His reputation as a drywall finisher allows him to pick and choose when and where he wants to work. Good plumbers are in great demand.

It is hard to find one who will come out and fix your leaking faucet. When you do find one, the hourly rate is almost that of most lawyers.

Our education system and most high school counsellors puts so much emphasis on college that we frequently overlook the value of skilled tradesmen.

Trades seem to be considered of less value while the opposite is true. Tech school graduates often earn higher pay than those with a new liberal arts degree. Our communities need more plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc.

FRANK WATSON IS A RETIRED AIR FORCE COLONEL AND LONG-TIME RESIDENT OF EASTERN WASHINGTON. HE HAS BEEN A FREE-LANCE COLUMNIST FOR OVER 20 YEARS.