The devaluation of post-secondary education

[Papa_Complex]

Yesterday, in Ontario, we had a students' 'day of action.' A couple of thousand students marched on Queen's Park, the seat of the Provincial government, to demand reductions in tuition fees. Apparently Ontario has the highest in the country. A few things about that.

- we also have some of the highest costs of living here, in Ontario
- students only pay roughly 30% of the actual cost of education here
- not everyone can afford a post-secondary education
- not everyone has the brain to make use of post-secondary education
- not everyone needs a MBA, to work at Best Buy or as a bank teller

The expectations, regarding post-secondary education, have become ridiculous. We actually need factory workers, garbage men, carpenters, mechanics, and plumbers. People seem to think that getting a college or university degree is a god-given right. It isn't.

[VatorMan]

You mean a liberal arts major isn't supposed to make $100K a year starting out? SAY IT AIN'T TRUE !!!!

[OneSickPsycho]

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by OneSickPsycho

My grammar and vocabulary, in grade 6, were both better than those of the vast majority of university graduates, today. When I read something like that piece of shit, it gives me the cold shakes.

People say that this generation is going to take care of us all, in our old age. I say they won't know how to spell old age.

[EpyonXero]

If schools in Canada are like in the US, every kid is told from 5th grade onward that the only way he will amount to anything is if he gets good grades and goes to college. Otherwise he will end up working at McDonald's and/or will become a bum. Of course they dont actually tell you what you should do once you get to college.

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by EpyonXero

If schools in Canada are like in the US, every kid is told from 5th grade onward that the only way he will amount to anything is if he gets good grades and goes to college. Otherwise he will end up working at McDonald's and/or will become a bum. Of course they dont actually tell you what you should do once you get to college.

Take philosophy, of course. I had a girlfriend who was a dual philosophy/eastern religions major, when I was in college. She wasn't amused when I told her that she was looking at a promising future in a high paid job where she would be sitting in a corner, and contemplating life.

Last I heard, she was working in government.

[tommymac]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

Take philosophy, of course. I had a girlfriend who was a dual philosophy/eastern religions major, when I was in college. She wasn't amused when I told her that she was looking at a promising future in a high paid job where she would be sitting in a corner, and contemplating life.

Last I heard, she was working in government.

Spot on with your assessment there. A buddys GF was an english major and she would get pissed when I told her she will be in college forver or working at starbucks LOL

[Gas Man]

Honestly I think we need more blue collar workers... more welders, and skilled trades. But it's hard work, and oh no.... you might get dirty!! To make worse, you might not be able to wear dockers and a collared dress shirt!! And perhaps the $30/hr job won't be enough for you...

[fujimoh]

Originally Posted by Gas Man

Honestly I think we need more blue collar workers... more welders, and skilled trades. But it's hard work, and oh no.... you might get dirty!! To make worse, you might not be able to wear dockers and a collared dress shirt!! And perhaps the $30/hr job won't be enough for you...

I know some welders and machinists who are definitely making upwards of 30/hr

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by Gas Man

Honestly I think we need more blue collar workers... more welders, and skilled trades. But it's hard work, and oh no.... you might get dirty!! To make worse, you might not be able to wear dockers and a collared dress shirt!! And perhaps the $30/hr job won't be enough for you...

When I came out of college, the first job I was offered was as a machinist's apprentice. I turned it down, because I was damned well going to use the education I paid for. I might not be making what I am now if I'd gone that way, and I might have been out of a job a few times along the way (which I was anyway, with the path I chose), but I would have been making more money faster than I did. Hell, I wish I had that skillset now.

There's nothing wrong, nothing embarrassing, about being in a skilled trade.It's good, honest work and a good income.