Melanie Lichtfeld
Powering Up the TradesBy Rebecca Anderson-Brown, Kate Bast, Lisa Bauer, Shelby Deering, Elle Duncombe-Mills, Jenie Gao, Emily Leas, Marni McEntee, Candice Wagener & Rachel Werner | Photographed by Hillary Schave
“The trades are one of the most important things in our country and yet they are the least respected,” says Lichtfeld who points out that when you head home from work, you may not necessarily turn on your computer, but you almost certainly will flush your toilet.
Lichtfeld believes the key is to start at the high school level by reintroducing trade classes into curriculums, creating viable options for students who prefer more hands-on careers like plumbing to four-year degrees. She’ll work with the new administration at the State Capitol to ensure the higher education agenda includes trades apprenticeships.
“Right now, high school diplomas—everybody will tell you they’re worth nothing… let’s redo our high school diplomas,” says Lichtfeld. “Some kids, they’re not going sit at a computer, they’re not going to go into marketing, but boy they can fix a car or a lawnmower.” –Candice Wagener