Mike Rowe Addresses Workforce Shortage and Gives Back Through mikeroweWORKS Foundation
by Morgan Cruz, Marketing Content Coordinator, MHI | @mhi_morgan
Mike Rowe, best known for his past role on Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” and his own production on CNN “Somebody’s Gotta Do It,” is giving back through his mikeroweWORKS Foundation. The foundation promotes hard work and supports the skilled trades by awarding scholarships to students who show outstanding work ethic and interest in mastering a specific trade.
At the 2015 MHI Executive Summit and Annual Conference this October the TV host, writer, narrator, producer, actor and spokesman will speak on Why Dirty Jobs Matter. During this keynote, he will give an illuminating account of the true nature of skilled labor, and why it’s being devalued by the media, advertising and even the government.
In an interview with AfterCollege, Mike explains, “We try to look for kids who can prove and demonstrate a work ethic. It’s not about scholastic achievement. It’s not about athletics. It’s not about talent. It’s not even need-based. It’s about asking yourself if you’re willing to learn a skill that’s in demand and apply it.”
Rowe’s foundation has participated in more than $2.5 million awarded in scholarships to schools around the country. Their focus is to support specific skilled trades that help close the Country’s skills gap. Mike explains that there are several misconceptions about dirty jobs. Most assume the people doing these skilled trades are unhappy, poor and uneducated. He claims this is very untrue. “There’s 2.5 million jobs available right now that people don’t want. And many of them pay six figures,” says Rowe.
For more information on attending the 2015 MHI Executive Summit and Annual Conference conference this October visit mhi.org/annual2015.
