Response to "Unprecedented Manufacturing Opportunities in America Today" published in June 2020 MANUFACTURING NEWS
Dear Editor,
Yes, there are great opportunities opening up.
EXCEPT!?
About half of our K-12 students are locked out from a career in technology. Only 25 states support and fund STEM education curriculum, only about 30 states actively support and partially fund robotics. SkillsUSA is active in all 50 states as it is mostly self-supporting, but its contestants at the bi-annual WorldSkills competition seem to be unable to reach top ten ranking.
Even the U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos must be concerned about the achievement level of our students. She did mention in a speech on September 20, 2019: "Over the past 40 years the federal government alone has invested well over $1 trillion in K-12 education. Despite that spending the U.S. has made no progress in closing the student achievement gap with other countries and today ranks 24th in reading achievement, 25th in science and 40th in math."
The bill to establish the first cabinet level Department of Education was signed into law by President Carter on October 17, 1979 after 150 years of often bitter and acrimonious debates. Spending a trillion dollars over 40 years did not result in a uniform nationwide education system. Our students do not get a "World-class education."
Most states insist on maintaining control over their education system, disregarding the fact that we must create equal achievement and skills levels in all 50 states to stay competitive in the world market.
Outsourcing is not just a matter of costs, the work often goes to where a skilled labor force is available.
Federal, state leaders, educators and also parents still insist that high school to college is the only lucrative career pathway. They disregard the fact that a young person's brain reaches full development at around age 26. Our professional leaders, in all trades, have learned a trade/skill and gained their college degree while acquiring practical knowledge.
Think about the following: what institution in our nation has been prosperous for over twenty years producing around 50% damaged goods and lost at the same time 50% of its clients (students)? THE COLLEGE INDUSTRY. It collects billions of federal, state, private and student funds while graduating only a little over 50% of its clients (students).
Also, in general, U.S. industry and business invest very little in the future of its skilled workforce. For example: Boeing in Everett, WA, graduates around 20 apprentices a year. Tiny Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland graduates more than 50 a year.
Your publications (MANUFACTURING NEWS) are outstanding supporters of skills education and training. Thank you very much.
Paul Huber LSME
President
COMEX