Our urban folklore is filled with stories of people being cheated or ripped off by repairmen, mechanics, stores, etc. It is almost accepted in our society that the phrase, "Let the buyer beware" is accurate. This is far from true, as we need to make sure that our students become aware of how wrong this attitude is, and how important a code of ethics is for them.

Most of the trades such as refrigeration, automotive technology, electronics, cabinetry, and graphics have industry-wide codes of ethical standards which govern their industry. Being fair to customers, giving an honest day's work, pride of craftsmanship and fair pricing are the concepts that should be the watchwords of our trades and technology today.

Students who train in our programs should be encouraged to become the best and the finest of their trade, to deal honestly with others, and to develop a personal sense of the ethical choices they face daily. Case studies such as these can help instructors to initiate discussions, express beliefs and awareness of ethical choices and encourage students to develop the critical thinking skills needed in their present lives as well as their future careers.