Walker asks educators not to push students just toward college

Walker dropped out at
Marquette after three years

MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker asked education leaders in the state at their annual convention to help change the mind-set of those who influence the career paths of young students.

Walker wants them to include the fact that there are plenty of jobs that don’t require a four-year college degree.

Like governor of Wisconsin, for example. Walker himself left Marquette with 94 credits – needing about a year more of school to get his degree.

Walker, spoke Friday at the Joint State Education Convention in Milwaukee, where hundreds of school district administrators and school board members gathered for the last session of the three-day meeting.

Walker told education leaders he hears from local businesses about so many good paying, fulfilling careers that are available with an associate degree from a technical college.

But, he says, guidance counselors, parents and others who influence young people have to promote those careers as well.

Walker says in Germany, for example, “skilled workers are lifted up on a pedestal,” and are valued just as much as a doctor or lawyer.