Published On:Tuesday, April 20, 2010

IN this column several weeks ago, I wrote about how it was imperative that we reform our educational system to improve the core competencies of graduates in Mathematics, the sciences (physics, chemistry and biology) and English Language at a minimum, so that our students who are on an 'academic track' can compete effectively at international universities.

Last year, President Barack Obama pledged that "America will have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world" by 2020, thus reaffirming the importance of having an educated, trained and competent labour force from which to draw.

The debate over college is not new, but today's economic climate has raised the stakes. Public Agenda, a US-based public opinion research organisation, recently reported that since 2000, the percentage of Americans who believe college is essential to succeed in today's world has increased from 31 per cent to 55 per cent. "There's beginning to be a lot of concern among the American public that ... if you don't get into that upper tier, you're going to struggle your whole life," says Public Agenda's Jean Johnson.

According to a recent USA Today article, the case is compelling. As good jobs increasingly require more education, college is widely seen as the ticket to personal economic security and global competitiveness. The message has gotten through: The percentage of students who went on to college or trade school within a year of high school climbed from 47 per cent in 1973 to 67 per cent in 2007, US Census data shows.

Not for everyone

In writing frequently about the need to improve our education system, I am frequently reminded that a college education is not for everyone. While this is true, it is equally imperative that we have a national strategy for the non-academic.

Many persons are quick to point out that Bill Gates, who is one of the richest men in the world, and one who has made a profound impact on the world, is often cited as a poster child for those who believe you do not need a college degree to succeed in life. While it is true that Gates dropped out of college, the fact remains that he was accepted into Harvard University based on his grades. There is no doubt that he was more than capable of graduating from the most competitive universities in the world, if he so desired.

Some 20-plus years ago, social scientists coined the phrase "The forgotten half" to describe at-risk young people who, for whatever reason, did not think college was for them. This phrase is increasingly used by educators, economists and policy analysts, who question whether it is realistic and responsible to push students into college even if the odds of academic success seem low.

US data show that fewer than 60 per cent of new students graduate from four-year colleges in six years, and just one-in-three community college students earn a degree. More than 350,000 students who borrowed for college in 1995 had no degree six years later, according to a 2005 study for the National Centre for Public Policy and Higher Education.

Apprenticeships

One option for 'the forgotten half' is the creation of an effective national apprenticeship programme. The reality is that successful societies require both professionals and tradesmen, and there is dignity in all honest work. The irony is that if you trace the history of black wealth in the Bahamas, most of the early pioneers made their money from trades such as electricians, master plumbers, construction (masonry), carpentry and the like.

An apprenticeship programme is a course of education that is based on on-the-job experience. Such programmes usually focus on one trade or skill, rather than on a variety of subject areas. For example, someone trying to get started in auto mechanics might work at a garage under the direct supervision of a seasoned mechanic. Apprentices function as both assistants and shadows to their employers, and because of the nature of apprenticeships, it is possible to learn a great deal about an industry in a rather short amount of time.

Furthermore, all the learning is hands-on rather than theoretical. While apprentices may have to take care of a good deal of menial tasks, they also get the ability to watch professionals in action, which is a great way to learn a trade. One unique aspect of apprenticeship programmes is that, while learning a particular trade, it is also possible to learn the business behind the trade.

Apprenticeship training can take anywhere from one to six years, depending on the trade. Apprenticeships have long been popular in Europe, but workforce-oriented high school training is not nearly as common in US schools.

One reason is that such programmes sound dangerously similar to streaming or sorting students by ability level, a practice repeatedly rejected in US culture, in which the dominant philosophy is that all students should have the opportunity to meet their full potential. In the Bahamas, we also took a similar approach when we killed the Government High School, as the only 'grammar school' in the public school system. We have paid dearly for that mistake and will continue to do so for generations to come.

Until next week...

NB: Larry R. Gibson, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is vice-president - pensions, Colonial Pensions Services (Bahamas), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Colonial Group International, which owns Atlantic Medical Insurance and is a major shareholder of Security & General Insurance Company in the Bahamas.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Colonial Group International or any of its subsidiary and/or affiliated companies. Please direct any questions or comments to rlgibson@atlantichouse.com.bs