[rm_-rf_slash]

The subsidy should come from the state, as it does for other forms of education. Honestly I think apprenticeships should start at 16 (and if I had my way, 14. I live in a generally rural community and kids in the sticks learn how to work a tractor pretty young).

Ultimately, people's competitiveness comes from their investment in their own skills. As Ron White taught us, "you can't fix stupid." What you can do is ensure that people will be working (instead of claiming welfare, etc), and that if their skills atrophy or their job is automated away, back to a new apprenticeship. Better than getting a new 4 year B.S.