[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.