text: Well I agree that there should be more opportunities for young people to learn trades. Ideally, we wouldn't be so rigid in segregating educational opportunities. An electrician might find that a women's studies class expands their perspective and engages them in thoughtful dialog. Conversely, a political science major might find that a plumbing apprenticeship develops their visual-spatial abilities and teaches them to manage project logistics effectively. Just be careful when you start believing the stereotype of college students perpetuated by the media / pop culture. I think if you spent any appreciable ammount of time on a college campus, especially in AK, you'd realize that the vast majority of students are extremely hardworking and engaged. Maybe if both side had more of an opportunity to interact professionally, we could foster a better understanding of the value of both paths and encourage a mutual respect between the trades and the cheese pimps.