These individuals usually disdain those with a degree and think that educational requirements are irrelevant to this profession. The person is opposed to educational requirements because he or she feels that a younger, more qualified person with less experience could replace him or her. This individual is very comfortable with plane surveying but struggles with geodetic concepts and the like. Following educational requirements is the natural evolution of this profession, which has become infinitely more technical and complex in the last 25 years. As professionals we need to understand not only what button to push but what happens when that button is pushed.
Education is only as good as what the graduate puts into it.
I am proud of the education I earned and think it was a great start. Those caught in dead-end jobs because of regulatory change should talk to their employers about getting the education required. Many employers are willing to send employees to school part time and pay at least a share of the cost. Look into distance education. Employers also need to realize what a person with a degree is capable of doing and what position he or she should fill in a firm directly out of school.