This is in response to the article “The carpenters’ last stand” (April 14), about the proposed closing of the carpentry program at Grasso Tech.

A decades-long national push for high school graduates to pursue bachelor’s degrees has left vocational schools and trades programs with an image problem. The consequence is a huge shortage of skilled tradespeople, which is now being felt by the carpenters union, which I represent, as well as other trades. And with a generation of the workforce about to retire, the shortage will only get worse. Our economy desperately needs a new generation of skilled workers, especially in the construction field.

The gap that has been created needs to be filled, and it will take a concerted effort by all. We need to broaden the appeal of construction labor to our youth. We should encourage our kids who want to follow a different path, that there are options for them. They can choose to have a respectable career in the construction trades. By closing the carpentry program at Grasso Tech, a valuable opportunity to be part of the solution will be lost. Not only will the doors of the carpentry program be closed, but also the doors of opportunity to many young people who could reap its valuable benefits.

Ted Duarte

Wallingford