That's the funny part when you mention specialized alloys. There's a whole bunch of people out there, even though they don't have a college degree, who have an

That's the funny part when you mention specialized alloys. There's a whole bunch of people out there, even though they don't have a college degree, who have an amazingly keen sense and in-depth knowledge of these specialized alloys and how to manipulate them in the real world. These are the folks that get the high range salaries, for very good reason. Now, it may be unfair that I say no college degree. They do take classes and other courses. But that's where we try to make a difference between trade/vocational school and college. While I do see the value in theoretical and academic knowledge. I really do. There's zero fucking reason to assume it's grander than practical/vocational knowledge. One of the few jokes I like out of the Big Bang Theory (fucking hate that show but my ex loved it), the group was driving out somewhere for some reason, but the car breaks down. Whoever the main guy was says "Who knows anything about internal combustion engines?". All of them start saying they know plenty, yada yada. "Who knows how to fix one?" Silence. Both sides need each other, academic and vocational. Neither side can advance without the other. But I'll gladly be the one to rag on academics if they act superior to the tradesmen until that stupidity ends.