Mike Rowe testifies before US Senate about the skilled trades

‎"As the host of a TV show about hard work (Dirty Jobs), people often assume I speak for tradesmen and skilled workers. In reality, I don't. I can only speak for myself and anyone else who shares my addiction to paved roads, reliable bridges, heating, air conditioning, and indoor plumbing. ‎The initiative also will leverage Discovery Education's position to spotlight information on career opportunities in skilled trades and how to obtain training and experience. This includes tools that support the development of digital literacy, math and critical thinking skills required for individuals to obtain gainful employment." Mike Rowe and Discovery Communications announces a new multimedia initiative, Discover Your Skills, that will provide unemployed and underemployed Americans with access to resources for obtaining marketable job skills while also raising the awareness of employment opportunities.

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  Education

[TheEnd004500]

I agree 100%. Skilled labor is definitely valuable knowledge.

[johnnyrye]

Mike Rowe for President.

[mary webb]

I think the younger generation of the US need to understand this. They aren't taught that a hard job can have the best benefits, they are only told to do what they want with their lives (preferably to become doctor's, lawyers, etc.) which are already in abundance. (Correct me if I'm wrong.) They aren't told that too much comfort and convenience take away the genuine happiness that comes from earning something.

[sirlego1]

Well spoken

[bigwallrat]

the bullies and twits at our schools and the joke that has been perpetrated by our universities that getting a good job with a education is the biggest fraud ever pulled on Americans. Skilled Laborers are not losers they are the people who built this country and they deserve way better pay and way better credit from the people who sit at desks and pretend that they have jobs.

[Austin Albright]

As a boiler service man i am proud to say i refused to go to college and went straight to work after high school to learn a trade. I have always had dirty jobs and i am proud. Way to go mike thanks from us little guys

[chidoriookami]

So true, Mr. Rowe.

[cvrnut09]

I couldnt agree more myself.

[Tracy Sill]

VERY WELL SAID!!! Wish I coult "favorite" that comment!!

[Tracy Sill]

Same here, I used to work for my dad doing first year warrenty service on manufactured homes. Now I'm a landlord for a mobile home community. I'd much rather be out in the feild working with my hands than sitting behind a desk serving notices and inputing rent.

[Dean Owens]

Its about time somebody addressed this. I do all my own plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work on both homes and cars. My resume is so varied employers often dont know how to place me. I had a shirt and tie job once over the years. I will take a skilled labor job over that any day.

[StutleyConstable]

God Bless Mike Rowe. I was a graphic artist for 15 yrs because everyone told me I was good at art and could make a lot of money in that field. I am now a millwright and make almost twice the money per hour. I also have a great deal less stress and I have learned a huge amount about a wide variety of things I never knew existed.