Randy wrote on May 19, 2008 7:07 AM:With the housing/mortgage/building industry in the tank, what we really need are more people trained in the construction industry on unemployment!

Observer wrote on May 19, 2008 11:18 AM:During the lag time the economy will need to recover is the perfect time for a school of this size,type,and curriculum. As the saying goes, it's the best thing since sliced bread. If the struggling students,not succeeding well in school or just not fitting in were to investigate the opportunities at this facility, it could be the best thing they've done to succeed in school while preparing themselves for life and survival.I have no investment in this project nor do I have a prospective student but have examined the facility in its entirety.

Sorry youre wrong wrote on May 19, 2008 5:50 PM:As a hiring manager in the Bio-tech field, I have learned that nothing replaces a University Education. Anyone can; given the time, patience, and resources, master technology.

A well rounded background in academia is what seperates the professional from the geek.

Those wanting to make it in the new era need both a university education and a technological background.

Its About Time wrote on May 20, 2008 10:38 AM:Now start a branch of UTI in North COunty. Right now the students of Auto Technology are attending the Phoenix based tech training and wind up being six figure technicians. The freeways are a sure bet with all the vehicles that will need repair and maintenance. Just dollars waiting to be earned by those in this tech field. Having been in the Building industry 40 years in management, I can tell you it's about time the Tech Schools were alternatives to the usual learning experience at any other High School. Hooray for Tech Schools! That's where I want my Tax Dolars to go!I have no children, but if I did this is certainly a great opportunity for real world experience to make a living!

To Sorry Youre Wrong wrote on May 20, 2008 10:43 AM:Academia can be accomplished with lots of MONEY. If one can work at a trade putting themselves through school the certification of Academia will come with time and patience. Are you earning six figures a year as a manager? Maybe after fifteen years in the HR business, but not right out of trade school! Who works on your car?

To To Sorry wrote on May 20, 2008 5:50 PM:You asked for payroll credentials, fair enough, it might help prove my point...Yes, I am making 6 figures, and made 6 figures well before I entered management.

You see, I only entered the biotech industry 12 years ago, at age age 42. I didn't enter college until I was 39.

My degree? Double Major in History and Sociology, minor in Economics.

Obviously, none of these degrees are a precursor into a biotech career.

I learned on the job, and made my mark by using critical thinking skills acquired from a University education supervising "technicians".

I am not discounting the value, skill, or talent of tech-ies, but being a technician only ensures you remain a laborer.

On-the-job-training can teach technical skills far better than a vocational school. Again, give me an applicant with a University education who is willing to tackle technology, and I will have an employee who can take over the much needed leadership roles in my organization.

hey to sorry you goofed wrote on May 20, 2008 5:53 PM:A "hiring manager" is not an HR person. But, you might not understand business with your head under the hood of a car 18 hours a day to pay for a undervalued house in SW Riverside County.

"Sorry youre wrong" was correct!

To the CEO wrote on May 21, 2008 6:56 AM:Are you even an educator? Where are your teaching and administrative credentials? And, who is your real employer? Get off the soap box of education--anyone can cut and paste information to convey a message--let the real educators educate! Our educational system is in such a mess because of people like you who sit and judge and then act as though you have all of the answers pertaining to education. ...hhmmm...isn't that how NCLB began?

Carol wrote on May 22, 2008 9:45 AM:Now who's on the soapbox! I don't believe the intent was to criticize or judge "real educators". Quite the contrary. Instead, I believe the intent was to communicate the importance of career and technical education and the need for an alternative learning environment for area youth. You don't have to hold a teaching or an administrative credential to know that career and technical education needs to compliment any high school experience. You also don't need to look too far to see that we have a terrible high school drop-out rate and a very troubled economy. Trade Tech has gained alot of financial support from community individuals and foundations. I think we are fortunate that the school has found a home in our community. Perhaps you should seek to partner and learn, instead of defend and attack. I think that has been the intent of the developers from the very beginning....to partner, learn, and adapt to the needs of their community. I am certain it will serve our students and our community far better than questioning and touting credentials. I am not an "educator" and it all makes great sense to me!

Watching from Pasadena CA wrote on May 23, 2008 12:45 PM:Where ARE all the 'real' educators??? Based on our high school dropout rate seems like we should be putting them on the 'endangered species' list!!! Yes, it's tragic that the education system, or should I say the education 'industry' has in fact reduced NCLB to a one-size-fits-all model that is pushing more and more students out of system. Maybe it's time for 'educators' to entertain some common sense and quit hiding behind their 'credentials' and a 20th century model of education. It's sad to see an 'us' versus 'them' between educators and the real world. OK, if you're concerned about the impact of 21st century learning on YOUR job, be afraid! If you're concerned about our kids and the community that they will live and work in, get with the program and help schools like this transform the way we educate our youth and create multiple pathways to success. The buzz about this school is obviously far-reaching. We would LOVE to have an option like this for our kids and our community!

Dave wrote on May 23, 2008 2:46 PM:We all can't be teachers, Those that can't teach. Not everyone who goes to college excell's in life. I am a proud graduate of Los Angeles trade technical college. My recomendation to the youth of today. Get educated in something you love and pays well.

A Great Dialogue wrote on May 23, 2008 5:51 PM:I am a supporter of Trade Tech and think it's a wonderful career track and one that for entrepreneurial minds could produce seven-figure incomes if students who acquire leadership skills start their own construction companies later in their careers. There are enormously successful people in the construction trades who are incredibly passionate about their work and about sharing what they know. They will be involved in this school.

Educated wrote on Jun 23, 2008 7:08 AM:I'm a well educated person, and yet I don't make six figures. As someone educated in education (Masters) sometimes it's not about the schooling. For those who question, did you know that people learn differently? Some need straight forward, lecture based education, others need hands on, project based learning. As a mom of a child who went to the local comprehensive high school, I applaud Trade Tech for taking education to a different level. At the local high school, my child was lost and overwhelmed. The school is too over populated and the promises the administration made to help the kids who need help fell short as they couldn't keep up with the numbers. Trade Tech will have a student/teacher ratio of about 12 to 1. Where can you find that in a public high school? They will not only learn a great trade, but will also be prepared to attend any State University if they so choose. For those who judge, take a deeper look at our overpopulated high schools where only the a small percent succeed at the level they need to. Allow those who may not have a chance in the big overpopulated schools to succeed, and just maybe have enough confidence in themselves to take the next step and attend a 4 year University. They may just be your future boss.