I was excited to read about a new college in Steubenville, OH that opened this fall. The first class at the College of St. Joseph the Worker is now learning more about their Catholic faith and also learning a trade. Let's face it, the typical college experience these days is too expensive and many graduates end up driving trucks and working as wait staff in local restaurants. We have some of those in my own extended family.
Don't get me wrong, there's no shame in working those jobs; but do they take a $60,000 to $100,000 diploma to do them?
This new approach is brilliant and these graduates will never be out of work. Stay at home moms will have the skills to do many of the home projects and repairs without calling the electrician or the plumber
My husband and I have often lamented how difficult it is to find workers for relatively simple projects. The people we hire talk about how hard it is for them to find employees. Think of being able to install your own ceiling fans, repair plumbing, etc.
Check out the college website and if you have a student interested in learning a trade, schedule a tour. Sounds like a win/win to me!
The Newman Guide has added the college to their list of great Catholic colleges. No surprise!
The cost of the education is reduced by the fact that, after the first year, students work as they learn
| Trade Focus | Cost | Projected Earnings* | Net | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | ||||
| Year 1 | In-Shop Basics | $15,000 | — | -$15,000 |
| Summer 1 | Paid Construction Work | — | $5,280 | -$9,720 |
| Year 2 | Paid Work + Related Instruction | $15,000 | $12,672 | -$12,048 |
| Year 3 | Paid Work + Related Instruction | $15,000 | $14,784 | -$12,264 |
| Phase 2 | ||||
| Year 4 | Specific Apprenticeship | $5,000 | $33,696 | $16,432 |
| Year 5 | Specific Apprenticeship | $5,000 | $44,928 | $56,360 |
| Year 6 | Specific Apprenticeship | $5,000 | $56,160 | $107,520 |
*Projected earnings are based on local wages and assumptions about hours worked by average students. These wages are not guaranteed. All numbers are gross income.
Yes, yes, yes it's a win!
ReplyDeleteMy husband has golden hands, he can fix anything, even though as an adult he always worked in white shirt and a tie. I'll pass it to other families.
Thank you.
Actually, starting this coming Sunday with Mass and BBQ. Please pray for the success of this new college.
DeleteWhy can't local parishes connect apprentices with local men who can teach these skills instead of expensive bundling away to residential colleges.
ReplyDeleteThis is about more than learning the trade. It's about building the faith. And after the six years, the students should be debt free, not saddled with past college expenses the size of a home mortgage.
ReplyDeleteI am glad a technical program like St. Joseph the Worker is getting noticed. The last several years I have worked in the water and wastewater industry. These operators are in demand. States have guidelines set up for continuing education and licensing. A 4-year degree is not required and it's definitely a recession proof business.
ReplyDeleteThere's also a demand for good surveyors - quite a few registered surveyors are reaching retirement age (yes, really).