Where are all the tradesmen?
As I perused the latest issue of Chicago magazine at my parents' over the weekend, I noticed what I think is an important omission in the sample job categories of "who makes what". Tradesmen.
Maybe its because I'm the son of a Dachdeckermeister (Master Roofer), but where are the roofers, plumbers, and masons that build the city and keep it from falling apart?
There was one Master Carpenter that is listed (under "Music" working for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra) that is making a handsome salary of over $150k. Today's youth needs to see this, that the trades are a viable option. They don't need an expensive 4-year degree that doesn't guarantee a job, but rather, an apprenticeship program with a tradesman.
I've held many jobs in my day, but I can say I've learned the most working for my father, in our family business. Sure, there was the stressful family-dynamic, but I got to see and experience first-hand all aspects of running a business. Sure beats fetching coffee for a summer as an intern at some Agency dot com.
