And this is another way of saying "I don't know what mechanical aptitude is" so I'll just be shitty. Mission accomplished.

I worked in machine shops running, setting up, and programming computer controlled machinery and running manual machines too for over 35 years. Now, because of health related reasons I teach machine shop at a community college. Learning basics in a school environment definitely has its advantages. But, mechanical aptitude cannot be taught or learned. Your either born with it or your not, and some have more than others. For most people who are mechanically inclined a degree is not a bad thing, but it should also not be a necessary thing if they desire to work on the shop floor. Many of the people you see in the shop who have degrees do not belong there and do not really want to be there. The reason you see more of them on the shop floor is two fold, One - it's harder to get a job in their chosen profession but they still need money( lots of jobs in manufacturing now days ) and two - the personnel department is full of people with degrees who simply cannot understand what mechanical aptitude is so they hire people who look good on paper. I do agree that having an AA / AS is a good thing for anyone / everyone but much more effort needs to be put into trying to figure out what each student is suited to do. The better you are at doing, whatever it is you are doing, the happier you will be doing it. The idea that you are going to get a degree in any chosen field simply because it pays well is asinine.

Just like all government, ours here in Texas is corrupt. It has absolutely nothing to do with the people, it's only money that has a voice in our state capital. Just like every other state in our failing democracy. Look at history and you'll see our future. It just a matter of time and we are definitely on the downward slope.