Gen Y: Educated and Jobless

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

That's precisely why I said "in my area." It's different everywhere. My county is largely skilled working class (e.g.: construction, plumbers, electricians, nurses etc.). However, there is a lot of money here. The cause is the high level of political intervention and promotion. There is A LOT of money flowing through my area right now and our unemployment is relatively low compared to other parts of the country. But, the jobs being created are for contruction workers, plumbers, electricians, nurses, etc. because that's who is - and has been for decades - in power.

Still, anywhere you go, if you have a foot in the door to a skilled trade profession, you're likely to fare better than the academics in terms of job security.

It is interesting to me how different it is in different places. The trades are hurting here just as much as everybody else. My step-brother is an electrician and all of his jobs have been out of state for the last two years because the builders stopped building, etc.

Originally Posted by 33girl

Do they have to pay for it?? My fuzzy brain seems to remember having to pay to take the ACT and SAT.

If they do, that's whiggedy whack. No student should be forced to pay for something they aren't going to use in the least.

No, the state pays for it. I believe they decided it was cheaper to pay for the ACT for every student than to pay for the development and grading of their own standardized test like they do for younger grade levels (we have the MEAP, Michigan Education Assessment Program for other grades). Interestingly, most students are actually college bound are taking the ACT twice.. once on their own dime to see what areas they need to focus on more and then once on the state's dime. Some take it once before the state test, some plan to take it again after the state test. I think my daughter wants to do the former. She wants to take it in December this year and then again when the school issues it in March.

Originally Posted by christiangirl

It depends on the job/field. Many jobs that I am applying to or looking at want tons of experience and, without it, you don't get a second glance. However, in the last 2 (mental health-related) jobs I've had, the ones who had been there the longest were either pushed into retirement or, if they wouldn't go, were fired one way or another. I was safe because I was at the bottom or the totem pole but, in some places, I'd be the first to go.

ETA: Oops, I didn't see there was a new page of replies.

Oh and IIRC, aren't ALL of those tests (ACT, SAT...) geared toward students going to college?

Yes, those were developed to be college aptitude tests. That's why I think it's crazy to have every student in the state take them. I can't imagine what our average ACT score for the state is going to be. I have a co-worker whose special ed daughter got a 9 on the ACT. Yes, a 9. As her friends were all comparing scores, she felt so disheartened that she decided she couldn't even attend a community college for a voc program when that was something she really probably could have done ok with. She's been a waitress for a year and a half when she really wanted to learn floral design. I know that's anecdotal and not a good measure overall, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's been discouraging for more kids than just her.


ETA: We do still have to pay to have the scores sent to more colleges than the standard.. I don't recall how many you usually get automatically when you take the ACT. That will be something we have to look at.. soon!