[bryang]

It makes quite a bit of sense to go back to more archaic learning methods. I don't mean that in a snarky way, but only for lack of a better term to describe very very old. Apprenticeships were how the average population learned prior to colleges becoming a normal thing. If you wanted to learn how to make chainmail, you had to get an apprenticeship with a blacksmith - learning was done on-the-job. You didn't go to college and learn how to make armor, farm, write literature and then just get whatever job when you got out. You started at a filthy young age in that one craft.

Nowadays, college educations are worth basically nothing. You're not thought to be any smarter than the next guy and unless you go to a really well known institution that provides you esteem and wealthy connections, it's essentially just an advanced High School degree.

The point I'm getting at is - and I've seen this in the occasional job search I've done - the Generalist role is dead. In theory, it makes sense, wouldn't 5 people with general knowledge more slowly build a worse product than 5 different experts? Experts are always wanted and that only comes through years of dedication to that craft. And you simply cannot get that in college. On a side note... I think College is just a 6 figure right-of-passage into adulthood and learning how to feed yourself, become responsible enough to wake up on time, and find good friends.

[Retric]

The problem with Apprenticeships is they evolve slowly. AKA, you probably don't want to be a buggy whip apprentice.

The real advantage of a high level generalist education is it enables on the job training. Someone with a 2.5 GPA from a reputable collage can do most jobs in the US with an additional 1 year of training. But, someone with a 8th grade education plus 8 years working as a landscaper is far more limited should say a back problem force them into a more sedentary occupation.

[msandford]

> Someone with a 2.5 GPA from a reputable collage can do most jobs in the US with an additional 1 year of training.

Oh really? Which employers will pay to train you for a year?

[msandford]

Further, let me list the jobs that probably this doesn't apply to: doctor, nurse, engineer, lawyer, programmer (probably), scientist, actuary, machinist, welder, etc. This represents a lot of jobs in the US.

Now a list of jobs that you can train for in a year, but which don't need a 4 year degree: truck driver, construction worker, retail employee, many restaurant staff, janitorial, basically anything in the general service industry. This is also a lot of jobs.

Maybe you could name 10-20 jobs which do fall under the general degree plus a year of training?

[Retric]

Edit: in the general case, I would replace on the job with 1 year job specific training. Companies may or may not offer this as on the job training depending on the demand, but 6mo-1yr retraining is not a major issue.

There is a huge realm of office jobs that take basic collage level skills. EX: Software tester, receptionist, Manager, etc. (Substitute) Teaching is another huge area that often takes collage education, but many states have a 3.0 GPA requirement.

Many companies will higher programmers without the background, granted you’re not going to make much but it's a start.

The US military for example will train you to be a welder or machinist in less than 1 year. Depending on demand the same thing can happen in private industry but you’re starting doing true grunt work.

Nursing is something of a grey area. You can quickly become an orderly without a related background and there are various levels of certifications necessary to do various types of nursing. EMT takes collage level general skills + 6 months training though again you don't need a degree just that level of basic skill.

The Police are another area that takes people without any background training and may require a degree.

PS: That's not to say some high school students could not succeed at these jobs with similar training. However the demonstrated skills associated with a collage degree are significantly higher.

[ThatMightBePaul]

Yup! Even with the slow movement, I think apprenticeship can be a great deal. So long as the job is something that's general enough.

I'm talking plumbers, electricians, etc. There will always be broken toilets and bad wiring.

I'd be more concerned about apprenticeship in the ship foundry that the article mentions. That seems like a much more specialized market.