Are the skilled trades making a comeback? 

The high cost of a four-year college degree and the tight labor market are encouraging some young people to take a closer look at the skilled trades.  

Jobs in fields like construction, automotive repair and robotic manufacturing generally require fewer years of expensive schooling than a bachelor’s degree and they pay well. Enrollment is up nationally in two-year programs at technical schools.

MPR News host Angela Davis talked about workforce development and efforts to help young people get into the trades. 

Guests: 

• Steve Grove is the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

• Scott Stallman is provost at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis.

• Mike Miron is a teacher in Forest Lake Area Schools and coordinator of the school’s Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Youth Skills Training Program.