America's BIG Problem: Closing The Skills Gap | Epoch TV Interview with Jan Jekielek

Most of the content on my channel consists of me interviewing people I think you should know (Shameless Plug - stay tuned for a new show called… “People You Should Know” coming to my channel in a couple months). Today, however, I’m afraid the “person you should know” is yours truly.

I’m sharing this interview with me, not because I’m completely and totally self-absorbed (at least, not entirely), but because, modesty aside, it’s a really important conversation with an excellent interlocutor who gave me the time and the opportunity to discuss the pressing need to close America’s skills gap and the way in which I believe that can be accomplished.

As some of you may know, the mikeroweWORKS Foundation is in the process of awarding a few million dollars in work ethic scholarships. We’re doing what we can to train the next generation of skilled workers, and anyone who wants to help us in that endeavor should share this video.

Incidentally, this interview has already been shared online by the journalist who conducted it—the always excellent Jan Jekielek—Sr. Editor for The Epoch Times. He, too, thought our conversation was both important and worthwhile, and he gave me permission to share it on my channel, knowing the audience would be larger and more engaged than if I shared it from his page. That’s a very unusual and very generous gesture from a journalist whose livelihood depends on a subscription model.

Please prove him correct by sharing this conversation far and wide and checking out the many other important stories at Epoch TV:

Anyone who wants to learn a skilled trade, apply for financial assistance:

Subscribe to my channel:

If you like me, and even if you don't, follow me. Much obliged.

[HeadsCustoms]

My son came to me in high school and said he wanted to weld. I said ok and gave him my military GI Bill to go to school. He graduated #1 in his class, got a job right out of school. Is now 19, he’s the top welder on his mobile marine team, has his own apartment, his own car (paid off), and completely supports himself. That’s what trades can do!! I’m proud of my son and look forward to him continuing to succeed as a welder!!

[warrenbainter]

Mike Rowe works hard and always has. He is a genuine American Hero.

[tidonlu]

Mike is a valuable asset to the country

[EdnaKrueger-pu]

We do need workers for building, pipes, assembly in factories etc. I’m encouraged to see mike offering scholarships to trade schools.

[KathleenWaits]

Amen to Mike Rowe. I was a vocational teacher, it was criminal when voc ed left our schools.

[scottcoleman]

70 here, both of my kids are college educated and doing well, both my grand kids are vocational trained plumber and electrician and thriving 👍
You have to evolve with change.

[meikou]

3 years ago, my son said to me, I dont want to go to college. I'm an architect and if I rewind time, I'd have been either a sparky or a chippy.

I told my son, learn a trade. He chose welding and after passing in the top three at his school, has a great job.

As an architect, I go on site to deal with issues. I don't go there to blame workers but to sort the problems out. I know the importance of tradespeople. Without them, nothing gets done.

[miketyler]

After 2 yrs. of Trade High Sch. I decided to learn "hands on" . A local builder had an apprentice program . A Retired Guy was my Lord and Master for 90 days. What I learned from him was priceless . During that time we both got paid a good wage and after the 90 days I got a raise and the OG got a new apprentice. I did all the work, he showed me how to do it right.

[bruceevans]

We need to change the attitude and outlook of parents, that a good paying job in the trades is something to be proud of and not apologize for.

[robertrunkle]

I graduated from a vocational high-school back in 67. Even then, we were looked down upon by the students in college prep programs. My college was 4 years in the military and an additional 2 years of technical training to enhance my service training. I had a great career, built an incredible life for myself and my family. Saved for retirement, and never went into debt I couldnt repay. Follow your dream and build something good.

[theflippintoothfairyjackie]

Thanks Mike !! I’m a female and went through high school in the 60-70’s era…shop class and home economics were a requirement. I enjoyed both of those classes..it taught me useful skills throughout my lifetime. Vocational Technical Education was also available to me, which I took advantage of in my 11th and 12th grade. I chose Dental Assistant at Vo-Tech. After high school I went to a 2 year program to continue my education in Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. It was my professional career for the next 45 years. I bought my own house on my salary alone. I had a difficult time retiring because I loved my career and our patients. But by 67 years old I knew it was time to retire. I left my career making $550.00 per day. (7years ago) Like you stated if I hadn’t seen a friend of mine with models of teeth from her class in Vo-Tech I’m not sure where my career path would have taken me. So for that I’ve been forever grateful. Thanks for all the work you’re putting in to help our next generation find fulfilling careers and not owing huge school loan debts.

[lestvee]

I am 55. Been an aircraft mechanic for 23 years. I have an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license. I work for a major flight school who trains airline pilots. We, can not find mechanics.
Our last 3 hires (all within 2024), are inexperienced 20-30 yr old guys, without their A&P's, or even automotive experience. All they do is socialize and stare at their phones or the laptops. TODAY, two of them spent literally half the day building one of their personal gaming computers. At work, while in the hangar!
There is no talking to any of them. The just do not listen, pay attention, or care about anything or anyone, but themselves. I see this with Many of the 'men' nowadays.

[rainward]

I got a degree in Project Management in 2014, immediately I discovered the folks who worked for me made as much as me in half the time. I sent my kid to a vocational HS for welding. She graduates from HS and will be going to Lincoln Tech in August!

Keep on plugging away Mike, we see you!

[marybarak-ujyj]

An interesting point about perception of the trades, my son graduated from high school a few years ago from a basically rural area high school. He knew early on that he wanted to be an electrician, but because he wasn’t planning on going to college he was put on the “ minimal” track” for courses required to graduate as opposed to the “recommended track”. I found the words and their connotation interesting.

[craiglist]

I believe taking shop classes out of schools, high divorce rates, and relentless projection of clean easy living is what got us here. Kids didn’t get exposed to anything but books curriculum, the family home was upheaved, and the stress of all of that has brought us here to the bewilderment. Life is hard, messy and beautiful!

[constance_bailey]

I'm almost 64, and I would have given an arm&leg for such an opportunity! I sure advocate, support, and promote this endeavor. Much love and admiration for all that you and your org are doing, Mike Rowe. Keep up the good fight!

[dosesandmimoses]

Bravo Mr. Rowe. Thank you for all of your hard work. Tip of the hat to you sir.

[williamhartley]

We had auto shop, industrial arts more or less metal shop, wood shop and drafting. Graduated in 75. Feds took over in 78 and has been going down hill ever since.

[just_me]

I got into building homes during my summers when I was 14 and stuck with it until I was 21.
At 21 I wanted to learn more so I got a job as a mechanic at a trucking company. While there I also took up welding. Before long I was operating heavy equipment, supervisor of the shop, and I oversaw building custom equipment.
At 24 I contracted to help build a state of the art MDF factory. I bought land, had a home built, etc. I ended up hiring on as a millwright at that facility and was there 13 years.
As a welder, mechanic, operator, and builder I also became certified in/as a crane operator, crane inspector, steam systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, gear drive systems, all things bearings through two manufacturers, and much more.
Ultimately nearly ALL manufacturing facilities near me have shutdown completely and I went back to building homes.
Most of the jobs related to what I would like to be doing, such as like Mike mentioned, building submarines, are in some of the worst areas to live. I would rather struggle in a good area to live than to be paid just enough to be slightly above breaking even and have to live in a crime ridden, overpopulated, overpriced area

[gregrosen]

Thank God for Mike Rowe and his crusade on educating youngsters to get practical skills that we desperately need. All the machinists and tool & die guys are retiring or dead. Same for HVAC, plumbing and electrical. These jobs are critical. -GWR