Not everyone wants or needs a college education. We have heard that said many times and it has begun to ring true much more often the past few years.

Four years is a long time and people often change goals and interests in that four-year period. We are strong advocates for the community college system and also the high school vo-tech program. Decades ago, vo-tech had the stigma of being thought of as being for lessor qualified academic students as opposed to the more recent look of getting students better prepared for the work world, if that is where their interests lie.

There are numerous headlines these days regarding the shortage of workers in those same fields where the vo-tech education shines. There are shortages of skilled laborers in fields such as heating and air conditioning, auto mechanics, restaurants and hospitality, welding, computer networking and building construction. Getting started in these fields in high school often gives vo-tech students a chance to start earning and saving money while the traditional four-year college student is already building up long-term debt that will hold them back for years. The same as community college is a cost-effective way to further an education, vo-tech can be equally effective and a more personal fit for some of us.

The Butler County Vo-Tech is hosting an open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday night for prospective students and parents. If you or your child are in that frequent position of “I don’t know what I want to do after high school,” we would suggest you add the vo-tech option to your list of possibilities and consider attending the open house.

It may not be a fit, but it would be an evening well spent toward deciding future plans. The open house is for students in grades eight to 11 from any school district in Butler County.

Put the Hallmark movies on record Thursday night and get yourself a little vo-tech education. It may unlock the future for someone you love.

— RV