Vocational-technical education graduates do earn higher wages.  A survey of 16,142 members of Pennsylvania class of 1989 found that non-college-bound students who took vocational courses enjoyed an eight percent higher wage rate and earned 32 percent more income than their high school peers who did not enroll in vocational education.

The U.S. Department of Labor projects that 70 percent of the jobs created in the next decade will require education beyond high school, but only 20 percent will require a four-year college degree.  Approximately four out of five jobs will be in service industries such as business, legal, personnel, education, social or health services.

A national survey of 3,500 employers found that new employees with relevant vocational-technical education were more productive after being hired than those who had not taken the vocational courses.  These employees also required less on-the-job training.

�Vocational-Technical schools are the country�s most effective workforce development system.� -National Association of State Directors of Vocational Technical Education Consortium 

REDUCE DEPENDENCY ON
FOREIGN OIL BY SAVING ENERGY

• If you hot water heater is more than 10 years old, the PBA suggests you can lower your bills by wrapping it in insulation. You can also turn down the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit which is adequate to meet all home uses.
• Without adequate insulation, your home could be losing a great deal of its hot or cool air to the outside. Your home should be like a thermos-tightly sealed and well insulated. The PBA suggests you start by caulking and weather stripping. Insulate your attic, wall and crawlspaces.
• Are there lights in your home that are on more than two hours a day? Consider replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps last 10 times longer than ordinary light bulbs. Also motion sensors or timers on outdoor lights can help reduce energy consumption.
• Get rid of that old refrigerator. Refrigerators make today use much less electricity than models made just a few years ago. Your refrigerator should be set between 38 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer should be between zero and five degrees. If your settings is 10 degrees colder, you could be using 25% more energy. Check seals for cracks and dried-on food. Keep the condenser coils underneath the fridge clean.
• Long hot showers are relaxing but use a lot of hot water. The PBA suggests you look into purchasing a low-flow, energy-efficient showerhead. You can also conserve by turning it off while you soap-up. Most newer showerheads have an on/off button so you don't have to keep readjusting the temperature.