Letters to the Editor
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Blue Collar?
Schools do not train people to be highly-skilled blue-collar workers, or even semi-skilled. They just talk about "college." Math and science are taught as if they have no relevancy to real life. The society doesn't respect blue collar workers - they are mostly a dumb 'joke' on TV. Blue collar workers get laid off, probably more than white collar workers. Unions have been beated into the dust. The government under Nixon decided that we did not need a 'manufacturing economy.'
Need I say more? I don't think it is because kids are lazy, that is just 'same old, same old."
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Linemen don't grow old. They merely fade away.
I used to recruit linemen (politically incorrect word, I know, but it's pretty accurate since I'd only met 1 linewoman in my entire time doing this.) The utilities have known about the shortage for a very very long time. We tried many avenues to address it. Scholarships and sponsorship to line schools. Headhunting other utilities. Contractors, contractors and more contractors.
The shortage of skilled (or craft) labor is no secret nor is it a mystery. More kids these days view a 4 year degree as the way to success (whether it is true or not for them.) Vocational school is looked down upon. Even if one were to go to vocational school, why do something as strenuous as line work when you can learn programming and stay in a cushy office?
Yes, as a well-off society, it's a good issue to have. However, to put it bluntly, SOMEONE'S got to do it. And that's not what our government is planning for. If we can't create a talent pool with American talent (and believe me, we tried), we need to go elsewhere. However, the current immigration climate is not conducive to that as well.
The American public is in for a very rough ride when all these guys retire. Outtages will become the norm. And I'll just shake my head and try not to say, "I told them so."
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Well, blue collar labor kinda sucks.
I mean, to be honest about it. Your try telling kids who grew up sitting around on a cushy couch playing PS2s that they can earn an honest wage but they have to get hot sweaty and dirty to do it, or they can sit in an air conditioned office all day and surf the internet when the boss isn't looking and see which one they pick. My husband does blue collar work, most of my family did blue collar work--and it takes a lot out of you physically. I can't say I'd blame someone for choosing web surfing over dressing up in pounds of rubber in July heat, sweating like Anna Nicole Smith in a marathon, and then grabbing a live wire.
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Hmmm
Two Comments:
1. What business does the federal government have in solving this problem that the power companies have? Especially with idiots like Jeff Sessions being the federal government's nosey parker.
2. A number of years ago I read a quotation that ran something like:
Today's youth are atrocious. They disrespect their parents; they ignore their elders and teachers; they are lazy and are only interested in pleasure
The source of the quotation is a gentleman by the name of Aristotle. 3,000 years and countless generations of atrocious youths later, we're still here. So when somebody like Sessions shoots his mouth off about "slacker" youth he has august company. Not that either one of them knows what they're talking about.
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Inflexible labor market...
The reason why most people don't want to join these sorts of jobs mostly has to do with the lack of mobility. Simply put, a steel welder, or linemen, or pipe-fitter, is at the unholy mercy of the local company that, usually, is the only game in town. Companies can blame things on "poor math skills" all they want, but what the IBEW points out is true; why join a labor market where you might be downsized, have your pension or health care frozen, and after dedicating 10 or more years of your life to a company, only be thrown out on your ass. Its the same in every field, from teachers and social workers, to airline pilots and truck drivers.
Another problem is wanting something for nothing; a friend of mine is trained welder but found that no one wanted him because he did not have 10 or more years of welding experience under his belt. Meanwhile said companies KEEP putting up ads everywhere looking for skilled welders, but offering no one the chance. In the end, he packed it up and went north looking for better pastures. You can't just throw out a wanted ad and expect people to come beating down your door; you really do have to "grow" them from the inside, and no company wants to make that investment anymore. In a kind of hilarity only capitalists wouldn't find amusing, management is entering a defacto strike by simply not having enough people to work.
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Son of an electrician
My father is an electrician and I could have easily followed in his footsteps. I worked for contractors during my summer's off from college. It was good work and there was something rewarding about coming home tired and dirty but it ultimately wasn't for me. I was always encouraged by my father and uncle (also an electrician) to go get my degree so I wouldn't have to perform manual labor my whole life. This is fairly common as people work hard to provide a good future for their kids which for many means sending them to college.
I'm in my late 20's, have a Master's Degree and work more than 40 hours at a salaried position and right now earning $53k to $100K sounds pretty good. Many of my college friends would agree, I think. However, I accepted that I would probably earn less at 28 (and have college loans) as a professional that I would have if I had "picked up the tools." The hopes is that in the long run my earning potential will make up for these short term losses.
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Or maybe your research just didnt dig deep enough
yes I know its a fluff piece but its not hard to find out that 100000 is NOT how much most of these guys make
Recent offer.
Drug screening required. Salary Range is $34,343-$51,515. The Town of Winterville offers a competitive benefits package.
Sorry but anywhere in the country, anywhere, 34000 is barely enough for a single guy to drink on much less a family. forgetabout it