The author is not helping here with statements like "we have a class of vocationally trained workers with a sense of entitlement to be treated as an intellectual elite".

Vocationally-trained people want to be respected, just like everyone else. Making broad accusations about them, and insulting their abilities and qualifications, has been a significant source of conflict.

Every person deserves respect for their training and efforts, regardless of whether that is at a university, vocational school, dancing studio, acting class, on the farm, on a PC at home, or anywhere else in real life.

Start to respect other people, and they will start to respect you.