The 21st Show

Finding Success At Technical Colleges; Eating Well & Exercise In The New Year; New Year, New Laws

By Niala Boodhoo, Libby Foster and Robin Linn
 
Eugene Philips

Eugene Phillips, a student in the computer networking class at Capital Area Career Center, checks wires connected to router his classmates are using. Mary Hansen/NPR Illinois

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On The 21st: Despite demand in the labor market for the skills that trade schools provide, many parents and teachers still push for four-year college. Wes Aymer in Springfield wants to change the perception around trade school. Plus we discuss ways to exercise and eat smarter in the new year. But first, with the new year comes new laws. This year, more than 250 new laws took effect here in Illinois. Which do you need to know about? 

Even though the demand for skilled workers is growing and expanding to new fields, many high school teachers, guidance counselors and parents continue to push a college path over trade school.

Although college graduates do earn more than their peers without a degree, trade school is a good option for many. And, with increased federal and state funding and support from lawmakers, trade school teachers and students are working on changing the thought process around what they do.  

For more on trade schools, we were joined on the line by Eugene Phillips. He’s an 18-year-old senior at Capital Area Career Center in Springfield.

We also spoke with Wesley Aymer, principal of CACC, and Illinois Newsroom reporter Mary Hansen. Illinois Newsroom is a statewide reporting collaboration between Illinois public radio stations. 

Plus- 

This may be the week that many people are working hard at new year’s resolutions, perhaps trying to eat better and exercise more--something easier said than done. We spoke with Steven Petruzzello is the Associate Head for Graduate Studies in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Cindy Yergler, a registered dietician at the SIU School of Medicine.

But first-

At the stroke of midnight on January 1st, more than 250 new laws took effect here in Illinois. Everything from new gun legislation to the legalization of hemp to new public safety measures are included. What changes should you have on your radar?

We learned more from Mark Maxwell, Capitol Bureau Chief for WCIA3, and Sam Dunklau a reporter for NPR Illinois in Springfield.

Story source: WILL