Originally Posted by ultramarina
The concern I see about vo-tech is that you can end up using your educational years to train for a specific job that may become obsolete. Algebra and writing skills do not become obsolete.

No, but jobs requiring them --- like tech writing or software engineering or tech support --- can easily be outsourced. Skills for these jobs can become obsolete more quickly than skills used by plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, and the like. And their jobs can't be outsourced.

I agree with you completely about switching from manufacturing jobs to service jobs. It suits big businesses but has played a big role in damaging the middle class. IMO, part of the everyone-must-get-a-BA frenzy stems from this problem.