The two words are frequently used to describe those at opposite ends of any particular disagreement where both want something entirely different from the other. While there is nothing new about that, there are some cases where that difference gets a bit clouded with much more gray area than the combined black and white of the issue.
In my new position I get to see this much more clearly in an arena that I am surprised to see such a wide divide. My current employer is a higher education institution that must advertise it’s commitment to the local community in the starkest form possible for education. Simply put, it’s money. Their claim is that they put over $150,000,000 each year into the local economy. Doubting that number, I did a bit of research and found, strangely enough, the actual figure was quite a bit higher and while it’s not quite at the $200M mark, it’s pretty darn close.
Apparently the local government doesn’t quite grasp what the impact would be if this place suddenly up and closed it’s doors, went out of business, simply disappeared … but of course, it’s pretty well known that won’t happen, which is probably one of the main reasons for the lackluster reception. So what is the value of education to ANY particular community? Admittedly, we see more college graduates than there are high end jobs for them to fill some years, but in other times we hear about the severe shortage of engineers, doctors, and other professionals. And, even if we are discussing “trade” schools, there is still this perception that they will make it, “no matter what” because we need plumbers, electricians, carpenters, mechanics and so many more.
Sometime’s it’s hard to put a price or a value on education, but there are a few good examples around. Just look at any city that gains a large production plant. Chattanooga, TN just received the word that Volkswagen is going to build a large production plant there. Keep an eye on the number of new trade schools that pop up and the adjustment of local schools to produce qualified “future” employee’s with solid math and industrial skills. Revisit the area in five years and watch how the standard of living is rising, in parallel with the knowledge and skills of the work force. It’s not easy to see, but if you look closely, it’s there. If you need further proof, look at a city like Pittsburg or Detroit, that are struggling with a depleting job market and what is happening to their scores of workers. Those that struggle to retrain themselves often more on, but to better jobs and that golden work “opportunity” while others stay behind, taking what they can find and wishing for the old days.
It goes to reason that a good education center in any city can go a long way in extending the fortunes of it’s population, but if the city doesn’t return some of that benefit and help support the growth and development of the educational environment, it runs the risk of looking an important jewel in it’s crown and slipping into a form of despair that encourages under-education and a stagnate work force that won’t attract new industry or opportunity, slowly dragging down the entire economy to the point of collapse.
Yes, education is one of those things that we rarely appreciate until it’s gone or out of our reach. In these seemingly desperate times it’s important to keep see the vision of the future starting with a well educated and trained work force. Like the mighty oak, it starts with a simple seed, planted, nurtured and given opportunity to grow. With out the basic’s, it becomes just more scrub brush ready to feed the next fire that could destroy everything in it’s path.
Commitment helps build the future; Complacency guarantee’s it’s failure. Which do you support and how are you doing your part?
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| Commitment vs. Complacency |
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silksox
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Jul 16 @ 11:47PM
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Hello There Injuneer 
Great BLOG! I agree with domino effect .. starting with education & training...then a good job & benefits and then a better standard of living follows...
Being from NC ...we have a smorgasbord of good schools (Colleges/Universities) and super opportunities for students, etc, to attend for a reasonable sum..if you are a resident. I have friend here pursuing a double degree in Survey Engineering- Civil Engineering. The cram course (2 degrees) is 3-4 years (i think) with a 4 year apprenticeship after graduation. ( he went year around and finished his schooling in 2 and went on to take his first set of board tests in Raliegh) Before he graduated, MANY employers came from all over the USA to interview him to grab him up for his 4 yr apprentice period.. He was astounded by the pay offers and benefits...He was offered work on roads... bridges..highways...oil rigs... underwater... construction..... subdivisions....Apparently there's going to be serious shortage of Engineers, Contractors, Surveyors, & Architects in the next 10 years because most or all of the baby-boomers are retiring which is about 40% of the field total. And this is just the tip of the iceberg...To add to an already serious shortage in these fields: Governments in numerous states are starting to require more stringent academics>>4-6-8 years degrees (instead of current lesser requirements) before you are allowed to take the Boards in these fields. Here in NC many laws controlling requirements are set to change for a broad spectrum of arenas in 2013... Right now the climate for getting grandfathered in before the new requirements are in place....has never been better.. If you are going to go into these fields..FOLKS...the time is NOW. The opportunities are many... My friend got a 3.5 grade average for the first semester and he was given a rollover blanket scholarship for the ENTIRE degree including books as long as he maintains a 3.5. average. ..They are so desperate for Engineers/Surveyors.. outsiders with money are stepping up to the plate to give scholarships in encouragement.
Today is the First Day of the Rest of our lives......It's NOT too late to go to school!!
Sox 
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Kentuck
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Jul 17 @ 12:11AM
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Hey Injuneer:
Darn good blog. but you forgot to mention one thing. a good education makes the world a better place to live and enjoy. Each type of profession is like a different painting. As a young woman who answered my question "why do you want to be an engineer?" her answer---it is like a great painting, I look at its beauty and its representation, then I examine its painting style, the lines of sight, and the frame it is enclosed in.
As work or one's type of work departs a city so must you. For a city must support one in their effort to make a living as one supports the city in taxes and the spending of the income or go to citys that will support you. In other words, if you cannot get the work of your profession in one town, go to another.
Yes, in the next 10 years 40% of all American educated engineers will retire. As i will retire in 15 weeks and 2 days and move south.
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