Letter: Vernon sheds light on training programs

I recently read The Gazette's article about Monica Vernon's tour of the Iron Workers Local 89 training center and was glad to see more attention being directed to workforce development training ('Vernon stresses training for workers,” Aug. 26).

While a four-year college is an excellent option for many, I think we need to do more to show high school students that this often expensive route to a degree is not the only pathway to a good paying job. Training, certification and apprenticeship programs are cost effective ways to learn the skills needed to get a good paying job right out of school. One of the complaints of the business community is a lack of skilled workers. Many young people are drowning in student loan debt and have failed to gain employment while employers struggle to fill slots.

Thank you, Monica, for bringing attention to these great programs.

Dale Walter

Williamsburg