To Ease the Skills Shortage, Bring Back the Vocational High School

New York Public Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott and Designer Tommy Hilfiger attend the High School For Fashion Industries on Feb. 7, 2013 in New York CityPhotograph by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Tommy Hilfiger

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By Harold L. Sirkin

March 20, 2013 at 7:31 PM UTC

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There was a time, as readers of a certain age will recall, when students who didn’t have the interest in, or aptitude for, college could learn a useful trade in high school.

Most big cities devoted significant resources to preparing students for the world of work.