NLA Discussion: voc training the sole purpose of adult ed?

[Andres Muro]

Jay, et al:

Let me explain what I meant by dead end jobs. In El Paso, my community, 
thousands of women have worked for the garment industry for many years in the 
past. They are actually responsible for the growth of our community to what 
it is now. In addition, they have dressed many us throughout the country. 
Many have devoted over 30 years of service to this industry and helped 
companies grow considerably. 

We should be eternally grateful to the labor of these individuals and the 
pride with which they have performed it. Over the past few years, these 
companies have been going overseas. Most of these women have been left 
without employment, or benefits. Many of them are in their 50s and 60s. 
Instead of thanking them, we are asking them to retrain in another skill and 
find employment again, starting at minimum wage. I, for one, resent what I
consider abuse of the labor force. 

What our city is trying to do, is to attract companies, and tempt them with 
the minimum wage, desperate labor force that is readily available. 
Manufacturing industry with their sights in Mexico and other countries, have 
made El Paso one of their transition points. This phenomenon is not exclusive 
of El Paso. We should advocate for better support and treatment of our 
laborers, since they deserve it. Educational settings are places where 
students can discuss workforce realities and explore possibilities. If they, 
then, make certain employment choices, at least they know what they may be 
getting into. Literacy is not to just train people for the workforce, but to 
facilitate a better understanding of it.

Andres  

>>> <JCretella at aol.com> 11/13 1:29 pm >>>

Dave..Yours is a good analysis of the two point of view on workplace 
education. I take issue, however, with the connection you and others make
in referring to "low paying, unfullfilling, dead-end jobs". Just because a job 
is low paying does not mean it is unfullfilling or a dead-end job to the 
person who holds it...Many of the adult learners who come into our center
have such jobs and take great pride in them.I happen to believe that all work 
is worthwhile and we should not promote such a negative concept of
work...as many adult are underemployed, they know that and aspire to something 
better...They know that underemployment is connected with under-education. 
Many view their job, regardless of the pay scale, as a stepping stone...When 
we label jobs as unfullfilling or "dead end" we just add to a sense of poor 
self-esteem. Every job is important to someone..Just a point of view...

JCretella