Reply by stefang

This does strike a chord Kent. Here in Norway youngsters who were not headed to higher schools were enrolled in trade/technical schools at an age of about 15 years. This was great for so many “hands on” type of persons. After finishing trade school where they learned Electrical, plumbing, woodworking, welding and a whole raft of other technical skills, they were apprenticed to successful businesses to get practical experience and prove themselves. This was done through a partnership between business and the schools. The problem today is that if anybody has a job that doesn’t have the title “manager” attached to it, it is thought to be a lesser position. I have known a lot of mangers in my day and been one myself. Most have been incompetent leaders with a few glowing exceptions. I don’t include myself among this last group, but I did the best I could, as others do. We need people who can actually do things in the real world. With experience they should become the managers. The way some people work these days is absolutely appalling. I blame it all on to the modern education system. We have basically trashed a whole group of people who could be doing very well and providing benefits to society at large. Good luck in your quest!!

-- Mike, American in Norway