The woodworking industry is suffering from a severe shortage of skilled workers. Last month, Jack Stewart of CMTA said that the manufacturing industry in California only will need thousands (I want to say 1,000, but I'm sorry, I can't remember the specific number) of skilled workers eight years from now to replace retiring workers and simply because there aren't enough to meet demand. But right now, there aren't even 100 skilled manufacturing workers in the entire Southern California area to meet current industry needs. The wood industry is in the same situation.
How will this be remedied? Career technical education! The problem is that not only do our schools not encourage students to take CTE classes, they actually discourage students from these classes, because the classes don't meet the GE requirements for the standard 4-year college program. A 4-year degree is not for everyone, and there are so many career opportunities that do not require a 4-year degree. We should be teaching and encouraging our students to see all the alternatives before choosing their continuing education and career paths.
