Good reasons to join a skilled workforce:security, earnings, quality of life, and satisfaction

A recent Plant Engineering editorial on today's skills shortage (July 1999, p 10) prompted a reader to respond with the question: "As parents, why would you encourage your children to join the 'skilled workforce?'" Together, the editorial and the question prompted Author Tom Huey to give the matter of skills shortages some serious consideration. His thought-provoking remarks on this issue are presented here. Why would a parent encourage his children to join the skilled workforce ? I can give four good reasons: job security, earnings potential, quality of life, and job satisfaction. Growing roots Job security may not now be at the top of the hit parade for every 20-yr-old entering the workforce, but eventually it will be for many. In a recent poll by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 72% of the respondents said that they would like the security of long-term employment with one company.