In a world filled with fancy college internships and resume fluffing, my 19-year-old son came home from college and asked if he could work as a handy man this summer. This from a young man who had probably never touched a tool in his life and had zero skills or experience in any trade other than video games. As any reasonable mother would do, I said, “Sure, if you can find a job and get paid for it.”

A week later I was at a networking event in which one of the business owners said that she and her husband, who own a handy man business, were looking for summer help. I asked her how interested they would be in an inexperienced but interested helper. She and I connected her husband and my son and a manual labor internship was born. 

My son has proudly texted home that he now knows how to install a toilet, a ceiling fan, stain decks, and change some plumbing. That’s after only a couple of weeks on the job! What’s been even more enjoyable to observe is that my son is feeling a true sense of accomplishment and empowerment. He knows how to fix things, practical and necessary things that influence our day-to-day life. 

He has also formed a wonderful relationship with his boss and has found great respect for a tradesman and his trade. He’s learning how to run a small business, how to interact with customers, and how to manage a variety of jobs all at one time. I can’t think of better skill development for the real world than what my son is learning daily. Fancy, big city internships are surely important as well, but this seems like a learning situation that could benefit most of us.

The Importance of Blue Collar Work

I’m concerned that in a few short years, we will have a dramatic shortage of tradespeople in that the focus for most high schoolers is to head to college for more white collar jobs. It’s troublesome that the trades are not given the respect and training that they deserve in order to have a well-rounded and functioning society. The trades aren’t for everyone, but neither is college. Either of these choices deserve great respect and also community support. 

Who knows what my son will choose to do after he finishes college. Whatever he decides, what he is learning this summer will provide him with skills for the rest of his life. I encourage all of you with working aged children to consider some non-traditional internships or learning experiences. Not only will they diversify their learning, but I think they will also develop respect for work of all types and work that benefits us all. 

Love,

Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC