John Caron’s article with concerns about our maritime workforce misses a key point: It is hard to train an illiterate potential workforce.

The data is clear. Most young people graduating today cannot read or do math up to minimum standards. The Department of Education says that it is not important; they are teaching other things! I am not sure how “other things” will enable student to pass training courses.

The people interested in training for maritime workers should ask DOE why teaching “other things” will make up for students being illiterate.

The rest of us should be asking the same question.

Dean Crocker

Manchester

Related Headlines

Join the Conversation

Please sign into your CentralMaine.com account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.