Shortage
 

A question for everyone to thinking about.

Whats going to stop the country first; the shortage of innovators, scientist, and engineers or the shortage of skilled labor like welders, plumbers, and farmers.

They're seems to be a rather large shortage of both and both are going to get to critically low levels soon. I have put a lot of thought into this as both a college student and mentor. I think not only do we need to encourage our students and team members to pursue STEM careers but we should also encourage them to become skilled technicians and tradesmen. The common denominator between skilled tradesmen and STEM professionals (and a good paycheck) are that the professionals are all problem solvers in my experience and that is what FIRST participants have in spades. I think it would be good to encourage skilled trade more along with STEM because without both the country will not function. I look forward to hearing all the responses.

Kind Regards,
Joseph
AKA Nomadic Mentor

Re: Shortage
 

I agree wholeheartedly.

I spend a lot of build season playing shop teacher.

Re: Shortage
 

Might want to read this:
http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/di...testimony.html

Re: Shortage
 

Supply and demand plays a role here. As word that plumbers and electricians routinely make over $100k gets out, people will follow the lucre. So while a 'shortage' of trades may occur, it will relieve itself as finances are considered.

Ditto the shortage of engineers and scientists: Foreign workers will gladly take paychecks in dollars.