We live in a world where many parents no longer think it's necessary for their child to learn a trade. That's nearsighted.
The world will always need craftsmen and tradespeople. High schools- now more than ever- need to realize that the college route is not something that's for everyone. The insane amount of mounting national debt because of higher education should be enough to prove that.
Life skills can be talked about in a book, but growing up, getting out there and falling on your ass a few times is usually the best education.
Young people today are too afraid to fail. Failure is important. Learning to fail and moving past it makes you a stronger, better person.