In a laudable move, some schools in Louisiana are adding trade education classes back into their curricula in an effort to stem dropout rates. The classes, featuring stuff like welding, are part of an optional program that will have students focusing more on their chosen trade than their school books.
Of course there are detractors of the program who claim it is a cop out and a way for kids to take the easy way out of having to study hard. These are the same idiots who think that anything less than a doctorate qualifies one to be the afternoon fry cook at the local burger joint. College is not for everyone, as the old expression goes. Turning an otherwise failing kid onto a trade or skillset that they can apply and grow within is as good as any college diploma and in some cases better. If you’re a Ph.D. who disagrees, then the next time you need someone to come repair a railing, mend your roof, or rewire something at your house try it yourself and see how far that art history degree gets you.