I just ended up in it because it was what I liked to do. Honestly, it took hard work, practice and learning on my own to get where I am today. I have a decent career that is stronger than many of my friends who went to University for 4 years. Trades and technology positions ARE excellent and NEEDED in our system. I think that youth need to know that they can follow dreams, or work in fields that don't require years of university. Traditional education is definitely a huge asset and it teaches you to LEARN but it's not the be all, end all and if kids knew that they might be more determined to end up something more challenging and fun. Another current issue is that businesses are highly competative and profit margins most likely less compared to pre economy downturn. It seem to be highly recommended that employers to on site training etc. But with high competition levels business cant seem to afford the risk of hiring un trained staff or apprentices and consumers in The Marine industry mechanical fields want highest qualified for the least cost. This puts appretices seeking work at a high dis-advantage and encourages companies to hire staff from abroad. The education system for trades training has to invest in the schools, the programs have to be current and I believe a review board of industry leaders and business owners independantly review the training curriculum to ensure the graduating apprentices are up to