Local educators and business leaders are worried about the future of training for specialized trades in the Quad Cities.
On Thursday, about 20 local stakeholders met with U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos from East Moline during a panel discussion about the future of apprenticeship programs, which provides on-the-job training for specialized trades.
Barry Van Blaricom started in the construction business as an apprentice and now works for the Davenport Electric Contract Company.
"In one community I work with, a large community here, they have eliminated their shop classes, they have eliminated their spaces, they've shut the welding room down, and their excuse is that they can't get kids that are interested. Well why is that? Their parents either told them 'That's not what you want to do,' or they're getting this stigma that it's not worth it."
School superintendents and union leaders also participated, saying they're concerned about an aging population and a lack of young workers in the Quad Cities.
One union leader lobbied for a house bill that would give tax breaks to people who are saving money for an apprenticeship.
The event was part of Representive Bustos' community engagement series, "Cheri on Shift."