Last week, we discussed reasons for the shortage of technicians, today, we talk about solutions.

So how do we fix this issue?  First and foremost, make trades available in high school. Not some, all. Currently, only a handful of local schools offer classes in trades, or an ability to take them elsewhere. These should also be offered as actual classes, not as a club. Kids shouldn’t have to forego their free time and lose the opportunity to play sports or join other clubs to learn job skills. Lastly, make training programs more apparent and promote them. There are many great apprenticeship programs offered by auto shops and there are also associate degrees in automotive repair offered right here at home. Central Piedmont and South Piedmont offer multiple auto programs.

Let these shops with programs speak to kids. When colleges come to school, give them the opportunity to talk about their vocational programs, if they have them. Let us as parents understand that there is nothing wrong with a child that wants to do or shows skills towards something vocational that does not require a four-year degree. They will be able to support themselves just fine.