Per Lenny's comment - no, those of us who are in the trades are NOT surprised by the import of welders. We are not surprised by the influx of all sorts of foreign workers doing trade jobs. The liberal agenda has taken us to a "my child is going to college" mindset (regardless of what his or her future employment might be) and severely crushed programs that help a child move towards a trade. Couple that with the severe lack of responsibility that is given to kids in school and you get a work force that isn't ready for much beyond artsy stuff and/or lacks the work ethic (show up on time every day, do what's asked of you without complaining, etc.) and yes, the trades are hurting for good help.

(humor mode on)
Actually I'm surprised that PCC's program is noted in Sam's blog - it is a program that supports 'fossil fuel' vehicles. It should have been demonized instead of lauded, for shame Sam, for shame.