Knowledge of Career Opportunities
Before my internship, I thought college was the only choice for people who wanted to have a “good life.” That’s why I pursed a college education and also the reason why I convinced my children to go to college. I went to college after my children were in middle school and I was the first in my family to graduate from a four-year university. Therefore, I really valued my college education and it was a dream come true. However it came a hefty price: $34,000.00. I didn’t foresee the debt I would have to pay back in order to have this “good life.”
My internship proved to me that college is not the only answer; college is simply one answer. I believe there are apprenticeships and internships available in Charlotte that have the power to revolutionize what we teach, how we teach, and the future aspirations/dreams of our students. Someone asked me this week if trade work will be eliminated in the near future. I confidently replied that trade work is what keeps our houses, cars, and schools operating at its optimum. Where would we be without our plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, electricians?
What needs to change? First, we need to change the way the trades are viewed and represented in society. Some view trades work as indecent, unprofitable, and menial. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Second, schools need to bring back trade education to local high schools.
Dr. Wilcox, the CMS Superintendent, informed us (CMS teachers) about Strategic Plan 2024 which seeks to, “break the link between poverty and academic achievement to close gaps and reach educational equity in our community.” Basically, the Breaking the Link Report conducted by CMS found that children born poor in Charlotte stay poor in Charlotte. http://cmsstrategy.org/
Why are children born into poverty staying/living in poverty in Charlotte? I recognize that this is a controversial topic which may lead to many differing opinions. I believe it may have something to do with students living in poverty may not have access (college, internships, apprenticeships) to as many opportunities as their affluent peers. What options do they have? I believe if we adopt an educational approach similar to Germany our students can and will end the cycle of poverty in Charlotte. That means that German students determine their educational track based on their career choice. Our educational system needs to adapt to the needs of the community, by offering them more career choices that fit their needs and wants, than college alone.
Regarding my internship (Siemens machinists): Ideally, we would all like to use the latest, most environmentally-friendly technology available to power our devices and lives, but that isn’t affordable for the average consumer right now. We have used steam and gas turbines for as long as we can remember, so access to renewable energy for the entire planet is not realistic or sustainable. As a result, machinists, who build steam and gas turbines and generators, will continue to be valuable members of our energy workforce for years to come.