05-21-2015, 08:13 PM
(05-21-2015, 04:28 PM)kandrathe Wrote: High Schools in the US appear to get most people to what used to be the 8th grade level, many beyond that. In our more modern, services and information age economy, it's not sufficient to have mere fundamentals.
It can depend on the field though, no? In some field mastery of the fundamentals is what separates the scrubs from the pros. In other fields, it's a bare minimum that must be surpassed to even earn a passing glance. Sometimes it's a combo of the two. Though the larger point you bring up is valid IMO.
Jumping back for a second.
Quote: There is a high demand for housing, and it is expensive beyond a years wages. Hence, many, many people are in debt for mortgages.
Student housing is definitely a close second, sometimes same level of expense as tuition. Seems like a common problem for colleges and unis. Maybe just an echo of the larger pattern in N.America.
Quote:Competition is in nuances of added value, and customer service. Soft skills such as attitude, organization, problem solving, critical thinking are as important as the core of mathematics, reading comprehension, written and oral communications. We should give equal weight, value and emphasis to trade oriented schools -- designated to train for specific areas of employment, such as robotics repair technician, graphic design, or CNC programmmer.
Quite agreed here. Unfortunately there still seems to be some moldy stigma attached left to the trades. As well, I have encountered more than one situations where the cart is put before the horse in terms of training. The hardware is present, but fostering the skills and understanding needed to operate the tools are sometimes missing, or not as emphasized.
Ideally it's a balanced tool set of soft skills and hard skills that makes for a well rounded person. Too hard, it can become brittle, and runs the risk of confusing lab condition = real world condition. Too soft, it can become mushy and unable to support anything.
Quote: Does your boss say that to you a lot throughout the day? Because that sounds adorable, like some mid 90's work sitcom. Anyway, I haven't had a boss in years, since I'm classified as a freelancer.
kandrathe Wrote:You can kick your own ass. Also, adorable. :-)
The best thing about it is the freedom. The worst thing about it is the freedom. For the things that I can control, I can't hide behind any excuses of "it's always someone \ something else's fault!".