A shortage of technical workers is hitting the U.S., notes Grumpy Editor.
A major problem is older workers in skilled trades are retiring and the available supply isn’t meeting demand.
The construction industry, for example, faces a gap of 500,000 workers, according to an industry source.
As America de-industrialized in the second half of the 20th century, education was reimagined to emphasize seeking four-year college degrees, says Anthony Carnevale, director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.
Some 30 million jobs in the U.S. are paying an average of $55,000 a year and don't require a bachelor's degree, according to one report.
IN CASE YOUR FAVORITE NEWS OUTLETS MISSED THESE…
COLLEGE DEGREE VALUE QUESTIONED. A Wall Street Journal-NORC at the University of Chicago Poll shows growing skepticism on the value of a college degree and record-low levels of happiness.
NORTH KOREA BOASTING AGAIN. North Korea on Friday claimed to have tested a nuclear-capable underwater drone designed to generate a gigantic “radioactive tsunami” that would destroy naval strike groups and ports.
TOM HANKS SET AS HARVARD SPEAKER. Actor Tom Hanks will be Harvard University’s principal commencement speaker on May 25. University presidnet Lawrence Bacow called Hanks “a true master of his craft.”
EIFFEL TOWER GETS GOLD PAINT. The Eiffel Tower in Paris is being painted in gold for the 2024 Olympics. The work is expected to cost $60 million.
DRY-DOCKED VESSEL TIPS OVER. A large research vessel tipped over while dry-docked in Scotland, injuring 25 people. The 250-foot long vessel, named the Petrel, was previously bought and outfitted by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
U.S. READIES BATTLE TANKS FOR UKRAINE. The Defense Department is speeding up plans to send the U.S. military’s most sophisticated battle tank to Ukraine as the country braces itself for an expected increase in Russian attacks in coming weeks.
