Check-out newspaper article
Check out article in "The Plain Dealer" Business section 10/16/05Blue-collar blues: Workers needed
Many trades face shortage in work force
http://www.cleveland.com/search/index.ssf?/base/business/1129368699179170.xml?bxbiz&coll=2#continue
Letters generated due to article:
To: agrant@plaind.com
I've been a vocational "trainer" (in the trades) for over 13 years now. I used to work for a national training outfit, (that paid me more money than God....) but got tired of only getting home on week-ends.
So..... I went to work for the local Community College her in Reno (NV), at about half pay, and brought them seven "Industrial Maintenance" courses which I developed (plus put them on-line on the web).
Then they brought in the new “administration” who (as near as I can figure) decided that the CC should be a “mini-university”, and to hell with that “dirty fingernail, bastard step-child” voc-ed program! (since they “reassigned” the Dean, and started “non-renewing” contracts, they have set occupational/vocational programs back 100 years).
Yes, I was one of those “non-renewed” (so I guess this sounds like bitter grapes). I should be thankful (from the money standpoint anyway). Taught 4 days last week (for the old company which seems delighted to have me back), spent 9 days on the road, and should clear $5,000 after expenses.
But I can guarantee that no high school or college student will be getting the benefits of my experience (not at $400/day per head). But I have learned (finally) that “no good deed goes unpunished” (and won’t make that mistake again.
Keep up the good work…. And take a look at your local Community College to see if they are doing anything to solve the problem (besides talk it to death).
CL Dickinson
To: lpowers@rgj.com
CC: mmartine@rgj.com
Read a good news article (in the business section) while passing through Ohio on business... "Blue-collar blues: workers needed"… (see link)
http://www.cleveland.com/search/index.ssf?/base/business/1129368699179170.xml?bxbiz&coll=2#continue
Ms. Grant makes some really good points (I know... I've been a vocational/technical trainer for over 13 years). I also know that the local Community College (which really wants to be a mini-university so bad it can't stand it) has had so many chances to help with this problem... but really doesn't like associating with that "dirty fingernail" crowd (again very definite, just look at the voc-ed people that have been “non-renewed” or “reassigned”… not to mention those who have retired early or quit because of the total lack of support).
Note: I’m sure the “informational department” at TMCC has told you “all is well.. there is no problem… just a few disgruntled employees making waves” (as the Titanic slowly slips deeper)…
Be a good topic to tackle… I’d love to do it myself or help… (with or without the CC angle) especially since TMCC did not renew my contract and I’m only doing “project-based” training a few days out of the month (nationally) for the same money.
CL Dickinson
posted by cl @ 11:20 AM
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