When Joe Kitterman dropped out of Indiana University in the 1970s (not enough studying, too much fun), the United States still had plenty of opportunities for people without college degrees. He went to work at General Motors, which at the time built nearly half of all the motor vehicles sold in America. For the next three decades, Kitterman worked his way up through the industry, eventually managing entire plants.
During that time, the economy changed profoundly. Companies like GM endured long, painful contractions while well-paying, low-skilled jobs all but disappeared. By the 2000s, the workers in Kitterman's plants were living on the knife edge of economic stability. They needed new skills in order to provide for their families, and Kitterman was frustrated by his inability to help them learn.
To read the full, original article click on this link: An Innovative Tech Trio Puts Students in Solid Jobs - Commentary - The Chronicle of Higher Education
