I think you’re reading more into than I actually said.

Minors are generally prohibited from using powered equipment as employees. They can’t use packaging equipment, cardboard compactors, deep fryers, powered pallet jacks, drills, let alone machining equipment.

The “college-bound peers” I’m talking about are not participating in these vocational programs. If they are working, (which they might not be) their status as minors is effectively limiting them to unskilled trades, like retail and food service.

The kids in these vocational programs are considered students, not employees. Where an AP student is not allowed to use a ladder or a cordless drill at work, the vocational student at their work-study program can use a manual lathe capable of ripping them in two at the torso. They can gain experience with pretty much any equipment in their program that an adult would be allowed to use on the job.

These vocational students are graduating with two years experience in industrial work that the AP students were legally prohibited from performing.