I really feel for the Appalachian coal miners. Thousands have lost jobs. But millions of others

[procon]

11. In the 70s when the So Cal aerospace industry was booming

there were very successful apprenticeship programs in partnership. My brother went straight from high school to our local JC and signed up for the full time training program. It was a partnership between local, state and federal governments, unions and employers that covered the cost so kids just had to show up on time. Local buses offered discounted fares and many business gave out coupons and special prices to those in the program.

Kids started off learning the basics in the classroom and then moved to one of the local aerospace manufacturing plants to team up with union workers for hands on job training. They got paid, but had to follow the rules and some kids just couldn't cut it and got dropped. My brother was so proud of his first paycheck and like most of the participants, he was hired by the company he apprenticed at and worked there until he retired.

Even on a small scale, partnership apprenticeship programs in could revitalize many communities. The initial costs would be mitigated by the return of money being spent when those apprentices learn new skills and started earning a paycheck.