While I am not familiar with all the details of how to establish and retain a community vocational skills center, the recent Peninsula Daily News article on the one in Port Angeles closing at the end of the school year is disturbing [“Skills Center Likely To Shut Down,” PDN, May 17].
With all of the alarming community indicators regarding youths on the Peninsula, including homelessness, foster parent shortages, domestic issues and family addiction issues, I think the North Olympic Peninsula Skills Center provides a lifeline to young people with limited paths away from trouble and toward a productive working career.
U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer has praised the success of the West Sound Technical Skills Center in Bremerton on his Facebook page.
It would seem that, despite a smaller total school district enrollment in a rural community, the need here would be at least as great if not greater on a per capita basis.
While traditional job pathways may be threatened by automation and outsourcing overseas, we will always need people who know trades: carpenters, electricians, metalwork workers, plumbers, beauticians, culinary workers.
A vibrant skills-training program in these trades could and should be an essential element in offerings to our community’s young people.
I would urge the community to engage with the Port Angeles School District, with employers, with unions, Peninsula College and service groups such as the regional chamber of commerce and Port Angeles Business Association to enable and restore the opportunity of retaining this essential element for our young people.
Steve Duetermann,
Port Angeles