2 Feb
2006
2 Feb
'06
3:30 p.m.
Tony Duell wrote:
That said, though, there are not that many model
engineers or amateur
clockmakers in the UK. Just as there are a few, but not that many
electronics hackers. And I think one of the reasons is simple. Most kids
have realised that there is no point going into science/engineering.
There are no good well-paid, satisfying jobs in those areas. Well paid
jobs (at least in the UK) seem to reserved for those who can kick a
football or strum a guitar. And the educational system seems to be
designed to remove any curiousity that a child might have (fortunately,
it didn't work on me).
You know, I think those sorts of skills will come back, at least in Europe.
Landfill taxes are set to go through the roof in the next few decades, and
there will likely be all sorts of Government incentives to persuade consumers
to repair and recycle equipment rather than simply dumping it as they do now
- hopefully there'll be a lot more call for skilled repair people as a result.
Not sure what the situation is like in the US though - after all there's a lot
more space, and so far there doesn't seem to be much concern for using what we
have rather than simply making more (I realise that probably isn't true for
inhabitants of this list :)
cheers
Jules