Wall Street Journal, Aug. 16, 2011
"How to Close the Skills Gap" by Sens. Mary L. Landrieu and Patty Murray (op-ed, Aug. 10) highlights the troubling misconception that skills are not present in the American work force.
The senators would score some high marks with roughly 40,000 literate, skilled, unemployed or under-employed ironworkers if they were to let us know exactly where these three million jobs are. Ironworkers are the recipients of "earn while you learn" programs. They are the product of three- and four-year apprenticeship programs that allow them to learn intricate welding techniques, understand the physics of 100-plus ton pieces of material and equipment that need to be safely moved or set, and how to build bridges to last 1,000 years. No student loans, Mom and Dad.
As CEO of Ben Hur Construction Company in St. Louis, Mo., and a member of Ironworkers Local 396, my entire business plan relies on literate and skilled ironworkers, and I must say, the "earn while you learn" model is alive and well. I learned highly sought-after skills as an ironworker from the ground up, and my experience mirrors that of 125,000 ironworkers who have worked to eliminate the "skills gap" that allegedly plagues the American economy.
If the senators can tell us which skills are missing, we can supply them. It will not cost the American public a dime, and we will see tax revenues increase as skilled workers garner good, fair wages.
William Brown
St. Louis
Read online