Because how do these kid even get skills if the required amount to pay them prices them out of the market. You'd probably hire a drop out if you could pay much

Because how do these kid even get skills if the required amount to pay them prices them out of the market. You'd probably hire a drop out if you could pay much less in wages, but I see a lot of people avoiding that apprenticeship path. They didn't have this issue in the early 90 cause inflation had so quickly outpaced minimum wage there really wasn't one. So in 1979-1985 when he was paid somewhere near 7-11 a hour I'd guess and paying $270 a month. I'm guessing it was worth it to his teach him. Now in some cities it not worth it for example in SF to hire a kid to do basic SDR or work around the office.