I run an electrical contracting business and the reality of this article is this. We in this country are quick to support desk jobs, tv, and video games, but none of these lend themselves well to our trades. Most of the people able to do these jobs have had experience with their fathers turning wrenches or visiting jobs as a child. People do not want to wake up early and put in a hard day everyday even if there is decent pay. In southwestern parts of the country many of the gaps are being filled by immigrants who are hard workers, but dont have the education. Electrical installation can be done by most anyone but to do it right/safely takes an education both in the field and in the classroom. Trying to nickle and dime everything has also taken away the ability of companies to formally train individuals. When we do find the people who are willing to fill our jobs many do not have the drive or won't take the time to learn their job completely. Everyone wants everything as cheqap as possible but bottomline things cost what they cost and companies need to make money to stay in business. When everyone is trying to lower the cost of everything something has to give. We need leaders in this country to support kids getting outside, trade schools, and mechanical classes in schools. Without the introduction early on, many come into the trades overwhelmed and often quit before giving it a chance because they may not understand something as simple as righty tighty lefty loosey. Not that people are incapable but many who are in the trades grew up around these things and take that experience for granted. We need to not becomne complacent and give those below us a hand up. We need to take the time as much as is possible to certify train and teach those coming up so when we retire leave the trades or like that there are knowledgable skilled people to take our place.