Sorry for assuming too much. Better to get your kids learning some valuable trade then wasting time with some useless part time job at a restaurant. Massive shortage in skilled trades people. Start them young. For example in the Czech Republic kids are either journeymen tradesmen by grade 12 or going to university.
You're correct that learning a trade is where there is a solid future income. I'm a trade contractor myself and know first-hand the benefits it has over the 4-year college route.
Of course, hard-headed teenagers don't understand this and think they can do whatever they want in life. While I have encouraged them to follow their dreams, I have also made it clear to them they need to recognize a market based need for their chosen occupation. There is no point going to unidiversity for 4-10 years if unless they want to be a doctor or something that requires that level of training. They also know that Dad isn't going to pay for it either.
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