Critical issues in vocational education: an industrialist's view

American Education, Oct, 1984 by Peter J. Elliman

Quite a few high schools, vocational schools, and technical colleges have advisory boards. Having these is a good idea, provided the schools make meaningful use of them. Too many times, advisory boards are ineffective because they are not used responsibly. Educators have a high--very high--responsibility to use industry people on such boards, and use them well. But do not expect an industrialist to go to a vocational school and say, "What can I do for you, today?" The responsibility lies with educators, first. Teachers should take enough interest in their end product to come to industry and request help. Most indutrialists are willing, even eager, to contribute time, energy, and resources.

Remember that american business and industry is competing against the world. It is not a game; it means real jobs, that affect real lives. Very few will ever have the experience that I have had of laying off three hundred people because there was no work. It is heartrending to see the desperation on people's faces. It is pure torment to hear the report of a man who, six months, later, could not find a job and committed suicide.

The Indians, Koreans, Japanese, British, and others are doing all they can to create and sustain every last job in their countries. Unless we can learn to work collective on our most precious resource, our people, to help them achieve their best and to make a contribution to our economy, we will lose the battle to create and keep jobs in America. Preparing students to become effective workers is not a game, and you, the educator, are involved, whether you want to be or not.