Hello there. Are you referring to vocational / job training through an agency like social security or just in general?

Hello again -- I know the time period you are talking about -- I was in high school then myself and a lot of students went to voc training

It absolutely is not a bad strike against the intelligence of any person to be getting a solid trade -- many of the HS students I knew who were in voc training then now are in unions and have 300K in pensions and annuities

I do remember that in the voc /trade schools they had some courses for slower kids who could do things like culinary arts and that type of trade -- and that may be why some people thought of vocational education like that. But for the most part, the programs I was around and aware of were solid stuff -- I learned some computer engineering and programming courses at the vocational school while in the regular HS at the same time.

No way -- you can actually go back now and get into even more exciting courses -- there are a few community colleges who have offshoot campuses for just technical and vocational trades and professions. Look into it if you need to change careers or trades.

And -- if you end up laid off many of the unemployment offices will pay you while you attend school if you apply for the program early enough.

I happen to be married to a carpenter (not all lawyers marry doctors or lawyers) and he is one of the most talented people I know. He has more knowledge in his hands than 10 people have in their heads.

The person you ran into was probably a jerk then and is still a jerk, trust me. Some people never grow out of the high school mode.

AS long as you are happy in what you are doing and you are supporting yourself, then what do you care what anyone else thinks!

Then change it!! There are more programs out there for persons who want to change trades and the mechanical and engineering profession than there are for people who have done nothing but study academics

150K for RE is not too bad these days....

Try the community colleges near you -- in MA and NY they have satellite campuses with nothing but trades -- engineering, blueprints, construction management.... communications construction is a big up and coming area (comcast, verizon, etc)

They should have something in your state and the state job training divisions give grants and money to attend

Most of the internet was developed with the Dept of Defense and defense contractors and I believe a lot of it was developed in NM and AZ

My suggestion is to stop into your division of unemployment because they have career works services that everyone can use -- even when not collecting unemployment benefits -- and they have career counselors who can steer you in the right direction

My husband has gotten several good project through them here in MA

But don't fall into the trap of paying money to "on line" universities -- like that education connection website -- there are only a few good reputable schools on the internet right now. Univ of Phoenix is one of them.

I hope that helps a bit -- let me know what happens. ----MARY

Hello -- I would appreciate it if you would press accept so that I will be given credit for my time today. THANK YOU !!

---MARY