Trade Schools For the WIN!

In the 90s we saw a trend of forcing students to take an academic route post-high school and a shifting attitude towards trade schools. we were told that they were not good enough. Over the years we have eliminated the trades classes from our schools causing a shortage of specialists. Now we are suffering because we have no one to teach these classes that will create mechanics, electricians, plumbers, woodworkers etc. There is a shortage of these people in the work-force, driving up the prices to hire someone to fix/repair our homes and cars. So now we offer these things through STEM academies with more strict requirements to get in. The kids that would benefit the MOST from these trade classes are no longer able to take them. Why have we forgotten about the common man, those people who don't want or need higher education? We have educated our society right out of work and then demand that we raise the minimum wage. We punish those who run a small business and the families who just want to live a comfortable life. The rich get richer and the middle-class shrinks and shrinks. Quit shoving higher education down people's throats and bring back the trade schools. Less administration, more options for shop, art, music, home ec, personal finance, critics, and horticulture classes. Let the kids get dirty and learn to work with their hands!