As a TV personality, Mike Rowe is best known for hosting “Dirty Jobs,” a series that dives deep inside messy, blue collar jobs and showcases the skilled workers who perform them. On TV, Rowe shines a light on skilled trade jobs, and he’s an advocate for skilled labor in his personal life, too. Learn why this famous tradesman believes a four-year college degree isn’t for everyone—and why skilled trade jobs are a practical alternative.
A Focus on Skilled Trades
Rowe provides constant warnings about America’s growing skills gap. But what is the skills gap, and how does it affect the country? The skills gap is defined as a shortage of workers trained for blue collar jobs. Numerous potential workers don’t know about the benefits of learning a skilled trade .
Why? Many high school graduates are encouraged to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university, while technical training opportunities remain unfulfilled. According to Rowe , we should not “encourage the same path for everyone.” This not only harms the economy but also students who would be happier or more motivated at trade school.
In an interview with Business News Daily , Rowe said he met countless happy laborers on the road for his TV show. “I met way more entrepreneurs than I ever would have thought and came across way more success than I ever thought we would encounter,” said Rowe.
Rowe, who started “Dirty Jobs” in honor of his grandfather, has committed his life to closing the skills gap by helping passionate people find hands-on training and skills for the workforce. He also started mikeroweWORKS , a nonprofit organization that offers scholarships for students attending trade school.
Apex Works to Supply America’s Trade Skill Needs
Like Mike Rowe, Apex values technical training. We offer seven programs focused on providing quality, hands-on training and marketable skills for entry-level employment. Students spend at least 50 percent of their time in the shop, gaining hands-on experience with our tools and equipment in programs such as welding, electrical and advanced electrical, auto body repair and more.
To find career training you’re passionate about, explore our programs . Questions? Contact us today.
