A student and a supervisor rebuilding a roof at Warren Wilson College.

Between the intensive sampling called for in managing alpha units and all the work of implementing prescriptions, Rural System would need to employ a great many people. This “Land Force” would be comprised of interested and skilled local workers, and would hopefully attract budding tradespeople back to rural places. Some people might think “oh, that won’t be hard. There are plenty of people who need jobs right?” Wrong.  In reality, skilled trades are the number one most difficult job to fill in America and worldwide. There is a subtle prejudice and ignorance prevalent in American society today, and it has everything to do with our now-flooded higher education system. [Read more…]