Don Brunell writes in The Columbian about underemployed and unemployed college graduates and the shortage of skilled workers in the trades. I recommend the piece. It addresses an important issue, one deserving more attention as we consider how to assure a better match between education, career opportunities and the demands of the workplace.

Nationally, an estimated 3 million jobs are available in the skilled trades — electricians, plumbers, manufacturing workers, pipefitters, mechanics, appliance repair, computer techs and welders. Known as blue collar jobs, they routinely pay $40,000 to $60,000 a year or more.

In New Geography, Joel Kotkin tackles the same issue.

Instead of bailing out the current system, we need to find ways to change our educational focus from the elite level to the certificate program, in ways that serve the needs of both the economy and the next generation. For the talented students I so often encounter at Chapman, this means greater rigor, more serious reading and opening themselves to conflicting ideas. But, for many others, the focus should be on practical skills that can lead to middle-class jobs. We have to learn to appreciate that there’s nothing wrong with a son or daughter, rather than aspiring to become a doctor or lawyer, instead, earning a good living as a plumber.

Provocative articles. Both short and well worth your time.