You bring up a great point! I’m in full agreement with what you said and my idea to bring awarness to this topic is to create a spin-off show where you go back to jobs you have worked on and instead of showing how dirty the job is, you go more in depth and talk about how important the job is to not only the county but to the state, and country. You bring up what the pay is, what education is needed for the job, what is fun about the job, etc. This could spark an interst in people who are laid off or high schoolers who aren’t sure what to do with the rest of their lives, to maybe go into that line of work.
In college I created a video about manufacturing in DuPage County, IL that showed that manufacturing is still needed and done in the US and that even though it may not be glamerous, it is a job that can be fun and you can make a difference doing something. (if you would like to see it, email me and I’ll send it) Or go onto vimeo and search “Manufacturing In DuPage”
If you need an extra crew memember for Dirty Jobs or if you need help with this idea, I’m in!
-Kim
ChicagoFilmGirl89 |
02/02/12 | 4:47 pm
Mike, in your 2008 video, you mentioned you will do an updated video when the site is up and running. Any new video we should be looking for now?
Steve J.
Steve Jesseph |
01/18/12 | 8:19 pm
Mike, I commend the efforts that u do. Great website! I am a single mother of 2 who works hard and hopefully have taught my kids that hard work pays off. We love your show and sense of humor, you are what makes it great, so keep it up! It is time someone stepped up and talked about how this next generation and the lack of “real” work needs to be viewed in a different light.
Mary Maffett |
01/17/12 | 9:21 am
Just found this site (I am always a few years behind the curve it seems.) You’re out of your mind, but in the best way possible.
I keep seeing everyone tell kids the only way to make a living is to get a college degree, and the idea of trade is just an anathema to so many people. We need to encourage adults to not be afraid to tell a kid, “Hey, you seem to be really good with keeping your 30 year old car running, have you thought of making a job out of that?” Auto shop should be a GOOD thing!
Now I’m off to see the rest of the site.
CindyC72 |
01/04/12 | 12:16 pm
Mike, your congressional 5-minutes of fame video was mentioned on a forum I belong to (GarageJournal.com), and I wound up here to see your ‘miketoweworks.com’ kickoff video.
When I owned a TV, I did watch ‘Dirty Jobs’ and enjoyed your presentation of the jobs/people that make America work. Now, I sit and wonder what kind of job I can get as an official ‘baby boomer’, a degree in Computer Science and a willingness to sweep floors or make brooms to sweep floors.
You wanted suggestions to make this site more successful than ‘Dirty Jobs’? I suggest you do similar spots as Jay Leno does on his ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’ site. He promotes American people and the products they create. People need hope in this economy. Perhaps by featuring stories of GOOD, SUCCESSFUL, AND RELEVANT technical schools, trade schools, apprentice programs, people visiting here might regain hope. Hope that they too can find their purpose and dignity through work again in jobs they weren’t aware of the demand. People stories; those that feature tales of success arrived at by way of these uncelebrated schools. Show all the details how the schools operate, and how these students find success in a declining job market. Who knows, in this long recession, a spin-off of ‘Dirty Jobs’ might be called ‘Who wants to be a skilled blue-collar worker in the U.S.A.’ might be a ratings hit. LOL
OSWAGUY |
12/11/11 | 12:57 am
Thank’s Mike for everything your doing,,love your work and all the shows! Scott’s Pro Painting ….Scott Beck
Scott Beck |
12/04/11 | 6:52 pm
Please contact me about a show i would give you about helping kids learn new trades in construction. Thanks and god bless!!! Scott Beck
Scott Beck |
12/02/11 | 4:54 pm
I stumbled across the MRW website recently, this is great stuff. I’m an office guy in corporate America, but grew up around manual labor as honorable decent work. My dad is a retired pipefitter, my grandfather was a pipefitter, and my brother followed suit and is third generation pipefitter. We learned how to fix and build lots of stuff growing up and that we simply just didn’t go out and buy it new every time. I still feel the pull to retool and do something with my hands, get dirty if you will. I get more satisfaction out of seeing something completed than pushing permit applications in my job. I would encourage any parent to recognize and talk up the value of skilled labor to children.
Tim F. |
11/16/11 | 8:23 pm
WOW!!!I didn’t realize how much you have done for workers!! My brother is a ret. iron worker 44 yrs…his son…7 yrs and my son…almost 4 yrs!! I’m so proud of them!!! I’m going to tell them about this. My son Danny…is so PROUD to say “MA..I’M BUILDING AMERICA”. Thank you Mike and for going to congress!! You are quite a MAN!!! Thanks for being a voice for the working women and men of America! Yours truly, Beth Tiano
Beth Tiano |
11/09/11 | 9:07 pm
I think you hit the nail on the head. No pun intended, but true, our country has been in a get rich quick mode since Lyndon B. Johnson. Anyone who is anybody wants to fill their pockets with our money. Over the years we’ve instilled in our children the way to be successful to have money, and lots of it, so the easier the job the more money you get the happier you are. I’m reminded of the movie “Wall-E”, remember the scene on the spaceship with all the overweight people? They can’t do anything for themselves, that’s what we’ve become. Our wonderful nation, not that extreme but we’re getting there! The sad thing is I know someone like that, he literally does not known how to use a screwdriver. If he had to he would not know how to take a door off it’s hinges, even in an emergency. Thank you for your shows, I know not everone watches them but those that do gain greater insight into other peoples jobs and respect them for what they do. I, for one am very thankful for all the shows that you have had on the air.
BOBBIE |
11/05/11 | 1:09 pm
Hi Mike, I’m mum of three living in Spain and the situation here is as much the same as you describe it on your video. Us parents seems to be taking the wrong track when educating our children. Without qualification, studies, diplomas, titles…call it whatever name you like, you’ll be nothing in life, that seems to be the everyday motto over here. It seems a horrible idea to most parents for their kids to do something less than what they’ve studied for. They want their children to become doctors, lawyers, scientists, architects…I really admire those people who do “dirty jobs”, they may not have chosen it as a perfect job, but those who really want to work will always find there’s work out there, and no shame should ever come from doing them. The perfect job only exists from the joy you gain from it, so seeing as you gotta do it, do it with pleasure and a smile drawn on your face and you’ll be a happier person at work, whatever it is! I have three jobs on the go, and don’t get a full wage adding them up. My partner once said to me ‘however hard you work it doesn’t mean you’ll get richer’. Well, my reply was ‘I don’t want to get rich but at least I won’t go further into debt and can pull the family through…’ I’ve done many a job in my life and have enjoyed them all. I’m sorry to say I have no suggestions or good advice to give you. The day I do you’ll be first to know, but just wanted to congratulate you un such wonderful work you do transmitting your honest opinion. Keep up the good work!!
Helen |
10/17/11 | 2:53 pm
I am 27 years old, I spent 5 years blasting in rock quarries and mines. The teachers in school profess to students that any job outside of white collar is slave labor. Thank you for your time and campaign.
Daniel McGowan |
10/16/11 | 5:51 pm
Mike,
I went to college for photography and business and now work in a “non dirty” job. I can’t stand it… I worked through school at Home Depot and fell in love with do it yourself projects. Now that I am in the corporate world I feel hatred towards my rolling chair and wish I could be out in a dirty job. My student loans are coming in and I feel financially stuck in my boring office job. Do you have any advice for someone like me who wants to work hard and not in front of a computer all day?
Sara |
10/11/11 | 6:43 pm
Mike, your efforts could not come at a more important time. Testifying before a congressional committee was one of the things that will get politicians attention. Unfortunately tending to the infrastructure will cost money. As well as employing those dwindling number of tradesmen that are still with us. As for getting dirty, soap and water is available, and surprisingly easy to use.
helimech |
10/11/11 | 6:20 pm
It’s tough though what your trying to do but it doesn’t mean its unattainable. It’s because nowadays people are raised to believe that the only good jobs out there are the ones that will require you to wear a tie/suit – the picture of success and nobility. But really the jobs that I see you do in your show however odd or different exists and most importantly they matter…somebody’s got to do it or everything else will crumble. Not a lot of people want to get their hands dirty anymore. But I believe that educating people, making them aware is a great big step for people to get involved. Maybe recruiting will help…at least it worked for uncle Sam. There’s a statistics that 60% are happy that is you (doing the dirty job)and not them, and the remaining 40% just doesn’t care.I believe you can change all that…it’s not impossible!
Vanessa de Guzman |
10/07/11 | 3:50 pm
I don’t know what it is but somehow “job/work”(whatever it is) is always seen as a task or a burden, but on rare occasions there are those (fortunate ones) who find it rewarding and fun. Voltaire said: “Work saves us from three great evils: boredom, vice, and need.” So I guess however unpleasant or pleasant one’s job is..in the end it’s still worth doing. And I get what you mean Mike when you said WE DECLARE WAR ON WORK…I never found a job that for me was worth bothering – at least that’s how I use to think.
Vanessa |
10/07/11 | 3:02 pm
John Ratzenberger has some things going on, alone the same lines… http://www.centerforamerica.org/ Helping to educate, motivate and empower Americans to expand skills, entrepreneurship, prosperity and freedom
Jack Gerbehy |
10/06/11 | 1:25 pm
Mike we love your show keep up the good work.
cheyenne |
09/13/11 | 5:18 pm
Mike, I agree wholeheartedly with your message but am running into a problem. I went to college, got my degree (elementary Education) and am now trying to change fields. I would love to learn welding or carpentry (any real trade if I’m honest) but don’t have the money to go to a trade school. Are there any government programs that would help retool a 34 year new father? Any help you could suggest would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jeremy Sutton
You can check out our Trade Resource Center’s State Resources here for helpful information – State Resources ~ mrW Moderator
Jeremy Sutton |
09/09/11 | 9:10 am
Great Stuff Mike do you have a facebook page to go with this? Or maybe it should be based on facebook
Sonny Moorehouse |
09/06/11 | 6:55 pm
Mike, Happy Labor Day, 2011. Even though it has taken some time getting out from under, I know you’ve made an impact. Hang in there! The best is yet to come. Love, Shannon.
Our family has followed your televised appearances and I have observed even in the Mission Statement video your sincere yet seemingly rehearsed, honest improvised candor.
I take that as a continuity in your thoughts and the training of your essence so that when asked by yourself or others you tell the same tale and build your current view on the past foundation of experiences.
I am pleased that you are giving back to the community at large with these efforts and on this the third anniversary of Mission Statement I hope you find some gratification in that your message is getting out.
I will mark this location and view your site in detail to determine how I may be able to participate in your example.
Thanks for being a unique individual within the group of celebrities by reaching out in a way that puts your personal views and thoughts out for others to review and critique.
Utopia is a wonderful place, but we live on Earth.
Not all Dirt is Clean.
I look forward to how you distinguish between the two.
Michael E |
09/04/11 | 11:17 am
Hi Mike, Im a single mom of seven and I am a parent that encourage my children to follow there heart in life. Their dad is a blue collier worker and he took very good care of us and made very good money. I have never seen your show but I think that you are doing a very wonderful job. Keep working with people and different companies and getting the work out and you WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Marian |
09/03/11 | 5:40 pm
Mr. Rowe,
Just wanted to leave a comment to thank you and encourage you to keep up with what your doing. I work for a public school district in “Nutrition Services” basically I’m your kids “Lunch Lady”. Although I took the job initially to have hours that allowed me to be home when my kids are (my really dirty job;) I do find that I more often than not am reluctant to share with people “what I do” as when they find out, they tend to make assumptions about my intelligence and abilities. However I must admit it is a pleasure to see their surprise that I am not 60 with a hair net and moustache It is an often dirty job, kids are CREATIVE with food and lunch trays… and breaks my heart a little when I hear students say “Oh her, she’s just the lunch lady”. I and my coworkers work as hard or harder then many who have a college degree and in some cases don’t make alot less. I am blessed to work with a management team that when facing budget cuts this year, made the cuts to their own salaries in administration rather than to the quality of the food or the pay of those of us in the field.
Our job to is also one of those often short staffed in a time of huge unemployment and it amazes me that this is the case when anyone with a good work ethic could get steady employment….
Again Thank you!
Tamara the Lunch lady |
09/03/11 | 3:11 pm
Thank you mike I like to think that I have done my fair share at the age of 24. Been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for a total of 26 months in the U.S. Army. I worked at a dairy farm, worked retail, and am a small time mechanic and I do have to agree with you. My parents think that I should go to college, I did to get my pilots license which makes less money than if I was to work at any trade job. Thanks again.
bradly |
09/01/11 | 8:31 pm
Love you, Mike! What you’re doing is awesome!
allison |
08/11/11 | 8:13 pm
Being on the school board of a trade school one of our biggest problems is getting the parents to realize that it’s ok for their children to go to trade school. They are not bad parents when their kids want to pursue a career in the trades as opposed to going to college. We have a hard time recruiting kids for the trade school because most parents have this skewed notion of acceptable lines of work in this day and age. I am thrilled to have found your website and will be forwarding it on to the other members of the board and superintendent. Thanks for your help and all you’re doing. Come visit us as Auburn Career Center in Auburn Ohio if you’re ever in the neighborhood.
Jean Brush |
08/06/11 | 11:58 am
I am a teacher and I absolutely love what you have to say. I feel that so many teachers are only stressing college for students these days, mostly because of the stress on teachers to prepare students for the ACT/SAT. I feel like the “other” options have been completely devalued in the process. I teach a unit in my Social Studies class where the students research different careers, the education required, and the salaries they can make in those positions. I would love to use your video and teacher resources to supplement my lessons because I feel it is so important to shine the light on these “dirty” jobs that are so valuable for our society. As a teacher, I try to encourage my students to do what they love, whether that is going to college or becoming an electrician. Students shouldn’t feel ashamed to explore a vocational career, but our society has made it that way. Thank you, Mike Rowe, for your voice of reason!
Abby |
07/20/11 | 9:53 pm
I accidentally stumbled upon this site and was glad I did. I am not a professionally dirty worker, but I do believe and practice it at home. My heart is in the dirt, if not my hands. I am a plumbing engineer with 30 years of training and I am absolutely in agreement with all that your mission includes. I don’t know what I specifically can contribute, but I am willing to contribute any way I can to this movement. Thanks for your honest spirit to get the job done the right way!
A Big Fan,
Dennis
Dennis Connelly |
07/07/11 | 10:01 am
Could we get some of these people who are doing the jobs no one wants to do to donate some of their tools and equipment when they retire towards a school that still teaches the skills needed for these jobs as a way to keep the cost of teaching these skills down? Is there an incentive for a company to donate tools to schools like a tax break or free advertisement at the school they donate them to? How about doing a estimate on what potential there is on earning a living doing these jobs to where they could work a 30 hour week and still go home with a good pay and more time with there friends & family?
K White |
07/03/11 | 12:32 pm
The Problem Facing the Machine Tool Trade Today
For the past twenty-five years high schools all over the nation have been closing their machine shop programs. Small class size, expensive shop equipment leasing, restricted funding*, and an emphasis on four-year-college transfer has led to the demise of most manual arts programs in our high schools. High school counselors now direct 100% of their students towards going on to college and getting a BA. In fact, the number of students going on to a four-year college is their measure of success. Because of this the well of potential machinists has gone dry and large companies have simply abandoned their traditional high-school-to-work apprenticeship programs. The long-standing partnership of student, high school, and manufacturing has evaporated
The machinists who became part of the program twenty-five years ago are now getting ready to retire. Some have called this the “graying of the machine shop work force” because the average age of a top quality machinist is 50+. As these machinists retire they will not only leave a void in the work force they will also leave a void in the mentoring pool which is the real mainstay of on-the-job training.
Today the preponderance of machine tool instruction is at the community college level but they too are under economic pressure to abandon expensive programs. In fact many community colleges have already given up their welding and machine shop curriculums.
Another problem is that there seems to be a prevalent feeling among the masses that machining is an unnecessary and dying trade and there will be no need for machinists in the future. Although it is hard to project a grand outlook like the 60/70s aerospace boom it should be noted that this trade is an important field in every industrialized nation in the world no matter their history or current economy. For example today there are machinists in Hungary, England, Argentina, and South Africa and they all play a vital role in the maintenance of the infrastructure of their country as well as assisting in industrial processes (no matter how small their share of the international manufacturing pie). Machinists are respected and paid extremely well in these nations. It is a skilled and prideful trade worldwide and each country has a need to train and replace them.
As an aside please note that at one time England was the manufacturing center of the world. They built the most machinery and employed the greatest number of machinists (called “mechanics” in that time). America took that honor from them and became the world’s most productive manufacturing nation and biggest employer of machinists. Then along came Japan followed by Taiwan followed by Korea and China. With all of these changes there was never, at any time, a total destruction of the manufacturing capabilities of any nation. They simply lost their leadership. Today Great Britain has a very highly skilled and productive force of machinists even though they no longer lead the world in manufacturing.
So what about the United States today? Have we moved to a “service economy” void of even the most minimal need for industrial production? Or is that all a futurists’ pipe dream? The answer is that it really doesn’t matter. We have a shortage of machinists in this country not because we are going to explode again as a manufacturing powerhouse and not because our aerospace and defense industry will keep us alive for another century. We need more machinists today because there are nearly NONE coming up to replace this country’s core needs. For every 100 machinist we had in the 60s and 70s we may need only 20 today. But we don’t even have TWO in training now. All of the good machinists have gray hair and are getting ready to retire and we don’t have anyone to replace them.
It is my hope that the machinist does not become another lost American heritage.
Ron Smith
Retired Chairman
Cerritos College
Machine Tool Technology
Hey Mike,
You bring up a great point! I’m in full agreement with what you said and my idea to bring awarness to this topic is to create a spin-off show where you go back to jobs you have worked on and instead of showing how dirty the job is, you go more in depth and talk about how important the job is to not only the county but to the state, and country. You bring up what the pay is, what education is needed for the job, what is fun about the job, etc. This could spark an interst in people who are laid off or high schoolers who aren’t sure what to do with the rest of their lives, to maybe go into that line of work.
In college I created a video about manufacturing in DuPage County, IL that showed that manufacturing is still needed and done in the US and that even though it may not be glamerous, it is a job that can be fun and you can make a difference doing something. (if you would like to see it, email me and I’ll send it) Or go onto vimeo and search “Manufacturing In DuPage”
If you need an extra crew memember for Dirty Jobs or if you need help with this idea, I’m in!
-Kim
Mike, in your 2008 video, you mentioned you will do an updated video when the site is up and running. Any new video we should be looking for now?
Steve J.
Mike, I commend the efforts that u do. Great website! I am a single mother of 2 who works hard and hopefully have taught my kids that hard work pays off. We love your show and sense of humor, you are what makes it great, so keep it up! It is time someone stepped up and talked about how this next generation and the lack of “real” work needs to be viewed in a different light.
Just found this site (I am always a few years behind the curve it seems.) You’re out of your mind, but in the best way possible.
I keep seeing everyone tell kids the only way to make a living is to get a college degree, and the idea of trade is just an anathema to so many people. We need to encourage adults to not be afraid to tell a kid, “Hey, you seem to be really good with keeping your 30 year old car running, have you thought of making a job out of that?” Auto shop should be a GOOD thing!
Now I’m off to see the rest of the site.
Mike, your congressional 5-minutes of fame video was mentioned on a forum I belong to (GarageJournal.com), and I wound up here to see your ‘miketoweworks.com’ kickoff video.
When I owned a TV, I did watch ‘Dirty Jobs’ and enjoyed your presentation of the jobs/people that make America work. Now, I sit and wonder what kind of job I can get as an official ‘baby boomer’, a degree in Computer Science and a willingness to sweep floors or make brooms to sweep floors.
You wanted suggestions to make this site more successful than ‘Dirty Jobs’? I suggest you do similar spots as Jay Leno does on his ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’ site. He promotes American people and the products they create. People need hope in this economy. Perhaps by featuring stories of GOOD, SUCCESSFUL, AND RELEVANT technical schools, trade schools, apprentice programs, people visiting here might regain hope. Hope that they too can find their purpose and dignity through work again in jobs they weren’t aware of the demand. People stories; those that feature tales of success arrived at by way of these uncelebrated schools. Show all the details how the schools operate, and how these students find success in a declining job market. Who knows, in this long recession, a spin-off of ‘Dirty Jobs’ might be called ‘Who wants to be a skilled blue-collar worker in the U.S.A.’ might be a ratings hit. LOL
Thank’s Mike for everything your doing,,love your work and all the shows! Scott’s Pro Painting ….Scott Beck
Please contact me about a show i would give you about helping kids learn new trades in construction. Thanks and god bless!!! Scott Beck
I stumbled across the MRW website recently, this is great stuff. I’m an office guy in corporate America, but grew up around manual labor as honorable decent work. My dad is a retired pipefitter, my grandfather was a pipefitter, and my brother followed suit and is third generation pipefitter. We learned how to fix and build lots of stuff growing up and that we simply just didn’t go out and buy it new every time. I still feel the pull to retool and do something with my hands, get dirty if you will. I get more satisfaction out of seeing something completed than pushing permit applications in my job. I would encourage any parent to recognize and talk up the value of skilled labor to children.
WOW!!!I didn’t realize how much you have done for workers!! My brother is a ret. iron worker 44 yrs…his son…7 yrs and my son…almost 4 yrs!! I’m so proud of them!!! I’m going to tell them about this. My son Danny…is so PROUD to say “MA..I’M BUILDING AMERICA”. Thank you Mike and for going to congress!! You are quite a MAN!!! Thanks for being a voice for the working women and men of America! Yours truly, Beth Tiano
I think you hit the nail on the head. No pun intended, but true, our country has been in a get rich quick mode since Lyndon B. Johnson. Anyone who is anybody wants to fill their pockets with our money. Over the years we’ve instilled in our children the way to be successful to have money, and lots of it, so the easier the job the more money you get the happier you are. I’m reminded of the movie “Wall-E”, remember the scene on the spaceship with all the overweight people? They can’t do anything for themselves, that’s what we’ve become. Our wonderful nation, not that extreme but we’re getting there! The sad thing is I know someone like that, he literally does not known how to use a screwdriver. If he had to he would not know how to take a door off it’s hinges, even in an emergency. Thank you for your shows, I know not everone watches them but those that do gain greater insight into other peoples jobs and respect them for what they do. I, for one am very thankful for all the shows that you have had on the air.
Hi Mike, I’m mum of three living in Spain and the situation here is as much the same as you describe it on your video. Us parents seems to be taking the wrong track when educating our children. Without qualification, studies, diplomas, titles…call it whatever name you like, you’ll be nothing in life, that seems to be the everyday motto over here. It seems a horrible idea to most parents for their kids to do something less than what they’ve studied for. They want their children to become doctors, lawyers, scientists, architects…I really admire those people who do “dirty jobs”, they may not have chosen it as a perfect job, but those who really want to work will always find there’s work out there, and no shame should ever come from doing them. The perfect job only exists from the joy you gain from it, so seeing as you gotta do it, do it with pleasure and a smile drawn on your face and you’ll be a happier person at work, whatever it is! I have three jobs on the go, and don’t get a full wage adding them up. My partner once said to me ‘however hard you work it doesn’t mean you’ll get richer’. Well, my reply was ‘I don’t want to get rich but at least I won’t go further into debt and can pull the family through…’ I’ve done many a job in my life and have enjoyed them all. I’m sorry to say I have no suggestions or good advice to give you. The day I do you’ll be first to know, but just wanted to congratulate you un such wonderful work you do transmitting your honest opinion. Keep up the good work!!
I am 27 years old, I spent 5 years blasting in rock quarries and mines. The teachers in school profess to students that any job outside of white collar is slave labor. Thank you for your time and campaign.
Mike,
I went to college for photography and business and now work in a “non dirty” job. I can’t stand it… I worked through school at Home Depot and fell in love with do it yourself projects. Now that I am in the corporate world I feel hatred towards my rolling chair and wish I could be out in a dirty job. My student loans are coming in and I feel financially stuck in my boring office job. Do you have any advice for someone like me who wants to work hard and not in front of a computer all day?
Mike, your efforts could not come at a more important time. Testifying before a congressional committee was one of the things that will get politicians attention. Unfortunately tending to the infrastructure will cost money. As well as employing those dwindling number of tradesmen that are still with us. As for getting dirty, soap and water is available, and surprisingly easy to use.
It’s tough though what your trying to do but it doesn’t mean its unattainable. It’s because nowadays people are raised to believe that the only good jobs out there are the ones that will require you to wear a tie/suit – the picture of success and nobility. But really the jobs that I see you do in your show however odd or different exists and most importantly they matter…somebody’s got to do it or everything else will crumble. Not a lot of people want to get their hands dirty anymore. But I believe that educating people, making them aware is a great big step for people to get involved. Maybe recruiting will help…at least it worked for uncle Sam. There’s a statistics that 60% are happy that is you (doing the dirty job)and not them, and the remaining 40% just doesn’t care.I believe you can change all that…it’s not impossible!
I don’t know what it is but somehow “job/work”(whatever it is) is always seen as a task or a burden, but on rare occasions there are those (fortunate ones) who find it rewarding and fun. Voltaire said: “Work saves us from three great evils: boredom, vice, and need.” So I guess however unpleasant or pleasant one’s job is..in the end it’s still worth doing. And I get what you mean Mike when you said WE DECLARE WAR ON WORK…I never found a job that for me was worth bothering – at least that’s how I use to think.
John Ratzenberger has some things going on, alone the same lines…
http://www.centerforamerica.org/ Helping to educate, motivate and empower Americans to expand skills, entrepreneurship, prosperity and freedom
Mike we love your show keep up the good work.
Mike, I agree wholeheartedly with your message but am running into a problem. I went to college, got my degree (elementary Education) and am now trying to change fields. I would love to learn welding or carpentry (any real trade if I’m honest) but don’t have the money to go to a trade school. Are there any government programs that would help retool a 34 year new father? Any help you could suggest would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jeremy Sutton
You can check out our Trade Resource Center’s State Resources here for helpful information – State Resources ~ mrW Moderator
Great Stuff Mike do you have a facebook page to go with this? Or maybe it should be based on facebook
Mike, Happy Labor Day, 2011. Even though it has taken some time getting out from under, I know you’ve made an impact. Hang in there! The best is yet to come. Love, Shannon.
Well it is the third labor day and I am finding this mission statement for the first time today based upon a link I followed from the CBS web site story http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/09/04/sunday/main20101491_page2.shtml
Our family has followed your televised appearances and I have observed even in the Mission Statement video your sincere yet seemingly rehearsed, honest improvised candor.
I take that as a continuity in your thoughts and the training of your essence so that when asked by yourself or others you tell the same tale and build your current view on the past foundation of experiences.
I am pleased that you are giving back to the community at large with these efforts and on this the third anniversary of Mission Statement I hope you find some gratification in that your message is getting out.
I will mark this location and view your site in detail to determine how I may be able to participate in your example.
Thanks for being a unique individual within the group of celebrities by reaching out in a way that puts your personal views and thoughts out for others to review and critique.
Utopia is a wonderful place, but we live on Earth.
Not all Dirt is Clean.
I look forward to how you distinguish between the two.
Hi Mike, Im a single mom of seven and I am a parent that encourage my children to follow there heart in life. Their dad is a blue collier worker and he took very good care of us and made very good money. I have never seen your show but I think that you are doing a very wonderful job. Keep working with people and different companies and getting the work out and you WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Mr. Rowe,
It is an often dirty job, kids are CREATIVE with food and lunch trays… and breaks my heart a little when I hear students say “Oh her, she’s just the lunch lady”. I and my coworkers work as hard or harder then many who have a college degree and in some cases don’t make alot less. I am blessed to work with a management team that when facing budget cuts this year, made the cuts to their own salaries in administration rather than to the quality of the food or the pay of those of us in the field.
Just wanted to leave a comment to thank you and encourage you to keep up with what your doing. I work for a public school district in “Nutrition Services” basically I’m your kids “Lunch Lady”. Although I took the job initially to have hours that allowed me to be home when my kids are (my really dirty job;) I do find that I more often than not am reluctant to share with people “what I do” as when they find out, they tend to make assumptions about my intelligence and abilities. However I must admit it is a pleasure to see their surprise that I am not 60 with a hair net and moustache
Our job to is also one of those often short staffed in a time of huge unemployment and it amazes me that this is the case when anyone with a good work ethic could get steady employment….
Again Thank you!
Thank you mike I like to think that I have done my fair share at the age of 24. Been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for a total of 26 months in the U.S. Army. I worked at a dairy farm, worked retail, and am a small time mechanic and I do have to agree with you. My parents think that I should go to college, I did to get my pilots license which makes less money than if I was to work at any trade job. Thanks again.
Love you, Mike! What you’re doing is awesome!
Being on the school board of a trade school one of our biggest problems is getting the parents to realize that it’s ok for their children to go to trade school. They are not bad parents when their kids want to pursue a career in the trades as opposed to going to college. We have a hard time recruiting kids for the trade school because most parents have this skewed notion of acceptable lines of work in this day and age. I am thrilled to have found your website and will be forwarding it on to the other members of the board and superintendent. Thanks for your help and all you’re doing. Come visit us as Auburn Career Center in Auburn Ohio if you’re ever in the neighborhood.
I am a teacher and I absolutely love what you have to say. I feel that so many teachers are only stressing college for students these days, mostly because of the stress on teachers to prepare students for the ACT/SAT. I feel like the “other” options have been completely devalued in the process. I teach a unit in my Social Studies class where the students research different careers, the education required, and the salaries they can make in those positions. I would love to use your video and teacher resources to supplement my lessons because I feel it is so important to shine the light on these “dirty” jobs that are so valuable for our society. As a teacher, I try to encourage my students to do what they love, whether that is going to college or becoming an electrician. Students shouldn’t feel ashamed to explore a vocational career, but our society has made it that way. Thank you, Mike Rowe, for your voice of reason!
I accidentally stumbled upon this site and was glad I did. I am not a professionally dirty worker, but I do believe and practice it at home. My heart is in the dirt, if not my hands. I am a plumbing engineer with 30 years of training and I am absolutely in agreement with all that your mission includes. I don’t know what I specifically can contribute, but I am willing to contribute any way I can to this movement. Thanks for your honest spirit to get the job done the right way!
A Big Fan,
Dennis
Could we get some of these people who are doing the jobs no one wants to do to donate some of their tools and equipment when they retire towards a school that still teaches the skills needed for these jobs as a way to keep the cost of teaching these skills down? Is there an incentive for a company to donate tools to schools like a tax break or free advertisement at the school they donate them to? How about doing a estimate on what potential there is on earning a living doing these jobs to where they could work a 30 hour week and still go home with a good pay and more time with there friends & family?
The Problem Facing the Machine Tool Trade Today
For the past twenty-five years high schools all over the nation have been closing their machine shop programs. Small class size, expensive shop equipment leasing, restricted funding*, and an emphasis on four-year-college transfer has led to the demise of most manual arts programs in our high schools. High school counselors now direct 100% of their students towards going on to college and getting a BA. In fact, the number of students going on to a four-year college is their measure of success. Because of this the well of potential machinists has gone dry and large companies have simply abandoned their traditional high-school-to-work apprenticeship programs. The long-standing partnership of student, high school, and manufacturing has evaporated
The machinists who became part of the program twenty-five years ago are now getting ready to retire. Some have called this the “graying of the machine shop work force” because the average age of a top quality machinist is 50+. As these machinists retire they will not only leave a void in the work force they will also leave a void in the mentoring pool which is the real mainstay of on-the-job training.
Today the preponderance of machine tool instruction is at the community college level but they too are under economic pressure to abandon expensive programs. In fact many community colleges have already given up their welding and machine shop curriculums.
Another problem is that there seems to be a prevalent feeling among the masses that machining is an unnecessary and dying trade and there will be no need for machinists in the future. Although it is hard to project a grand outlook like the 60/70s aerospace boom it should be noted that this trade is an important field in every industrialized nation in the world no matter their history or current economy. For example today there are machinists in Hungary, England, Argentina, and South Africa and they all play a vital role in the maintenance of the infrastructure of their country as well as assisting in industrial processes (no matter how small their share of the international manufacturing pie). Machinists are respected and paid extremely well in these nations. It is a skilled and prideful trade worldwide and each country has a need to train and replace them.
As an aside please note that at one time England was the manufacturing center of the world. They built the most machinery and employed the greatest number of machinists (called “mechanics” in that time). America took that honor from them and became the world’s most productive manufacturing nation and biggest employer of machinists. Then along came Japan followed by Taiwan followed by Korea and China. With all of these changes there was never, at any time, a total destruction of the manufacturing capabilities of any nation. They simply lost their leadership. Today Great Britain has a very highly skilled and productive force of machinists even though they no longer lead the world in manufacturing.
So what about the United States today? Have we moved to a “service economy” void of even the most minimal need for industrial production? Or is that all a futurists’ pipe dream? The answer is that it really doesn’t matter. We have a shortage of machinists in this country not because we are going to explode again as a manufacturing powerhouse and not because our aerospace and defense industry will keep us alive for another century. We need more machinists today because there are nearly NONE coming up to replace this country’s core needs. For every 100 machinist we had in the 60s and 70s we may need only 20 today. But we don’t even have TWO in training now. All of the good machinists have gray hair and are getting ready to retire and we don’t have anyone to replace them.
It is my hope that the machinist does not become another lost American heritage.
Ron Smith
Retired Chairman
Cerritos College
Machine Tool Technology