Date of Award
Fall 2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Department
Public Policy and Administration
Committee Chairperson
Kristen B. Crossney, PhD
Committee Member
Jeremy N. Phillips, PhD
Abstract
This project explores the idea of whether incorporating skilled trade education into colleges and universities would lead to more people pursuing the skilled trades as a career. The research question is: Would incorporating skilled-trade education into colleges and universities in America lead to more people pursuing careers in the skilled trades?” The hypothesis is that incorporating skilled trade education into colleges and universities will lead to more American students pursuing skilled trade education and careers in the skilled trades.
The purpose of exploring this is to address the shortage of skilled tradespeople in the United States. In order to determine whether incorporating the skilled trades into the college arena would lead to more people pursuing careers in the skilled trades, over a dozen interviews and a survey were conducted. Twenty-five high school teachers participated in the survey, which explored the frequency and quality of skilled trade education at the high school level. The interview participants were a collection of high school teachers, policy makers and high level officials involved in education, skilled tradespeople, and business owners who employ skilled tradespeople.
Recommended Citation
Tracy, Brent, "Skilled Trade Education in America" (2020). West Chester University Doctoral Projects. 88.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_doctoral/88
Included in
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Higher Education Administration Commons, University Extension Commons, Vocational Education Commons