Ohio’s efforts to link education with real job opportunities is setting an example for other states to follow. In this editorial, the Canton Repository highlights how Gov. John Kasich, Lt. Gov Mary Taylor & legislators are helping to strengthen Ohio’s workforce:
You hear it over and over:
Jobs are available, but there’s no one able to fill them.
Manufacturing and skilled trades positions are sitting empty around the country because no one has the ability to fill them.
The good news is Ohio — and, more specifically, your local school district — is aiming to do something about that.
According to Ohio law, districts must offer vocational classes to high school students. Gov. John Kasich, in a move still being considered by the state legislature, would expand that to include grades seven and eight.
Area school districts, such as Perry Local, aren’t waiting around for the state to finally make a decision. That district has opened a manufacturing technology curriculum in Edison Middle School, teaching students such skills as woodworking.
And the students are thriving.
Edison seventh-grader Derek Piesciuk said his exposure to the class has him thinking of a career in construction.
He has someone special to thank for that, too: teacher Drew Lashaway, who left a career as a pipe fitter for the classroom three years ago.
It’s good to see such a devotion to helping our young people learn a trade.
It’s even more inspiring to see the youngsters respond in ways that could open up even more opportunity for them in the future.
Our Page A-1 story on Friday detailed other area districts’ plans for technology education.
It’s easy to see this type of thinking is catching on.
Let’s just hope our friends in Columbus keep their eyes on the future and remember how much this type of education will boost the state’s students — and economy — in the future.
You can read the original editorial here.
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