Why not have a sign-up day for students heading for vocational training?
By BERRY CRAIG
AFT Local 1360
Star high school athletes make a big splash in the local news when they officially sign to play college ball.
“Why not have a special sign up day for students going into vocational training for a career, too?” asked Jeff Taylor of Hopkinsville, who is running to reclaim his seat in the state House of Representatives.
“If I’m elected, I’ll introduce legislation for a sign-up day.”
A Democrat, Taylor beat Republican Walker Thomas, also of Hopkinsville, in a March, 2016, special election in the Eighth District, which encompasses Christian and part of Trigg County.
Thomas edged Taylor in November, 2016.
Taylor said he understands the importance of vocational education. He retired as a Tennessee Valley Authority senior project manager for economic development. But he began his TVA career as a unit operator's apprentice at Wilson Dam in Sheffield, Ala., where he belonged to IBEW Local 558.
“I know from personal experience that the trades are important,” he said. “My brother works out of Fitters Local 502 in Louisville and I have another brother with IBEW Local 1701 in Owensboro."
Taylor said he’s not trying to steal athletes’ thunder. “That’s great if a young person has the talent. But not everybody is going to be a Kobe Bryant. I also know people who played pro ball for a year of two and are in living in poverty.
“You can earn a good living for yourself and your family working in the trades and have a safe and secure retirement, too.”
Taylor’s idea is not without precedent. He cited the Henrico County, Va., public school system, which held its inaugural "Career and Technical Letter of Intent Signing Day" on March 28. The program saluted students who were going to work after they graduated, wrote Allison Slater Tate for TODAY online.
Henrico County encompasses Richmond, the state capital. “Henrico Schools’ Career and Technical Education program decided that athletes weren’t the only ones who deserved to have their hard work recognized as they look to the future," Tate quoted from the school’s public Facebook page.
“Students and representatives of their future employers both signed letters-of-intent outlining what students must do before and during employment, what the employer will provide in pay and training, and an estimate of the position’s value."
The Kentucky State AFL-CIO unanimously endorsed Taylor both times he ran in 2016 and the federation has renewed its unanimous endorsement this year.
Neither Thomas nor Taylor have primary opponents.
Unions consider Thomas one of the most anti-labor lawmakers in Frankfort. In 2017, he voted for a “right to work” law and for a measure repealing the prevailing wage.