How did you learn your trade?

[frankush]

No shop classes at my high school. 9 months of electrical trade school. I knew enough to be dangerous after that. Worked as a maintenance mechanic for a few years and then went to work doing purchasing for a union shop. Fixed their tools, did some drafting and ordered materials for the jobsites. Eventually went through the union apprenticeship program, where I honestly can't say I learned a whole lot, but it was a very good program. The things I did learn were fire alarm, voice/data and working with large pipe and wire. As a 1st or 2nd year apprentice you get treated like ****, but it's part of the program. Weed out those that can't take it. Went to college and got an associates in HVAC and took a bunch of engineering classes. Now I'm in my 50's and nobody want's to hire an old guy. If I was smart, I would have stayed in college that first year after high school. No matter what your boy chooses, remind him to think ahead to the day when his body tells him its time to change careers. He needs a long term plan as well.

 

[briansz]

Funny that I happen to click on this forum and this is the most recent post. Right before this my 8 year old son showed me a picture of a B-52 and asked if it brought back memories.

I went to college out of high school because that was expected, but I wasn't ready for it at that point of my life. I went for mechanical engineering because my father was in a related field, but after a year and a half I enlisted in the Air Force. I always liked cars, motorcycles, etc, so I chose aircraft maintenance and got assigned to B-52's. After two winters in North Dakota working maintenance, I decided it wasn't for me. I retrained when I had the chance and got into IT. I finished my degree while working in IT in the Air Force, then used the GI Bill to go to grad school. I now manage a Network Engineering team at 37 years old.

My point is that not all kids are ready after high school and they may need time to figure things out. My parents were probably disappointed when I told them I was quitting school to join the military (my mom was a teacher with a graduate degree, my dad was a VP at a mid-sized company). Looking back, they would probably say it was the best decision I made. When my two sons are finishing high school I'll do my best to support them without pressuring them. For a long time I regretted missing the college experience, while others my age were partying at college I was on standby and working weekend duty draining fuel in sub-zero weather. But, those experiences helped shape who I am today.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

I was fortunate to have had an excellent jr. high Industrial Arts education - John F. Nuner School in South Bend, IN under Bob Allison. I then went on to take several machine trade classes throughout high school with Tom Berry at John Adams HS also in SB, some power mechanics / auto shop w/ Paul Williams & Ted Brechisen (sic?), drafting with Clarence Stillman, shop math w/ Brechisen again, etc. Not a college prep curriculum at all. Spent a year trying to find a good steady job in those trades upon leaving high school, no luck (South Bend was in a severe industrial recession when I graduated). At the suggestion of Tom Berry, I went to college at Indiana State and earned my BS in Industrial Arts, 2 years of MA work in Ind Arts too, then landed an industrial job that landed me in quality / management, where I've been for just shy of 30 years. Continuing education all the while including doing the work to earn professional certifications along the way that dovetailed with the role I was in. I earned my MBA about 10 years ago as well. Never stop learning...

Bottom line.. Learn what you like, adapt along the way by setting stretch goals and getting out of your comfort zone...

E.g. Rich Freeland now our COO, was my Plant Manager when he sat me down and encouraged me to take a role leading people about 17 years ago in a large manufacturing plant. I was scared to death but ultimately made the most of it, and haven't really stopped leading / mentoring people at work, since.

 

[VDubJoe]

Worked at the local NAPA and learned machine work last year in HS. After HS went to work at a different machine shop dealing mostly in race engines. Learned a lot. One year out of HS got a job with the local utility company. Just retired from there at 56 . Have a good pension and decent medical. Was a lineman and troubleshooter. Owned a small automotive machine shop on the side for a while but got to be too much of a headache.

Now I do part time power transmission construction oversight when I want . Very good money and do restoration and small machining at home.

Joe

 

[superdutymike27]

- 2 years of half days in high school building homes for trade class.
- 2 years of mechanical drafting at a technical college.
- 4 years carpentry apprenticeship.
- Countless years of keeping my nose clean, mouth shut and listening and do as I was told by the old timers whom I eventually became their supervisors and paid very much forward.

But I truly believe my grandfather was my biggest influence in what I learned and have achieved in life. Too bad he couldn't be here to see it.

 

[mburrus]

superdutymike27 brings up a good point: it is now, more than ever, extremely important to have a clean record. no arrests, no drugs, no DUI's, good credit. it is amazing how your past can shape your future, especially in jobs that require security clearances (nuclear plants, shipping ports, etc). everyone is running background checks, and it can mean the difference between 2 candidates who are otherwise the same.

make sure your son is looking forward to the future with the decisions he makes today... make sure he is on the straight and narrow!

 

[hackwelder]

Learned communications electronics in the Navy, attended "Beep" school and Electronics Technician "A" school, also got some really good experience in the fleet. Those skills were in demand when I got out (in 1978) and had no trouble finding work, made a decent living for 35 years and retired recently...

 

[VersionOne]

I know your Son's situation. I too chose not to go to college and joined the carpenter's union right after high school. Typical 4-year apprenticeship program. This is the best way if he wants to start making decent money right away. Some also choose to go through the local community college 2-year trade program then get in with a non-union company or labor union from there. Guess it depends if labor unions are strong in your state.

 

[pat g]

Welder Fabricator by trade , learned via my Unions apprentice Training program

 

[crf731]

I learnt mine on the job from the older guys, now I'm the older guy teaching the young ones.

 

[Placer]

1st generation farmer- got a 4 yr AG degree then the learning really began (well, during as well since I worked full time on farms throughout my college tenure). Got out of school and worked on farms (some paid, others not) for 5 years. Asked questions, listened to the answers, read every book I could get my hands on, and tried to be involved in every aspect I could. After 5 years of that, wife and I struck out on our own and started our farm. In our 9th year now and still going strong. The real education didn't begin until I had to write the checks every month.

 

[Seppala]

I was a professional student for ten years. Supported that life style by driving a cab in N.Y.C. '73-'83. Finally got a B.A. All those years as a student I was constantly doing mechanical work, too. With my degree in hand I went into the white collar world and couldn't stand it. Went to welding school and never looked back. Two years of welding lead to blacksmithing school, then finally a full time career as a living history museum blacksmith. The college degree finally came into play for it was in history.

 

[Doctor Bill]

Completely immersed myself in everything hands on and mechanical. Read service manuals, hot rod magazines, trade mags. Enrolled in auto mechanics in high school. Worked on the family cars, neighbors cars, invested in tools. Worked service station then dealership. Did what I loved doing and worked very hard at it. Surrounded by good mentors at work and in my leisure time. Studied and practiced. Wishing him the best!

 

[Bigwhite11]

Pipeline welder! Worked hard and asked tons of questions when I first got in the trade. One thing I never did was change my mind on what I wanted to do or give up when it sucked. First year out welding brought home 130,000. I love the work, the people I work with and love traveling.

 

[Leaky88]

My dad was a machinist who taught me a lot about tools and how to use them. He also told me to stay away from the grease and get an education. First job was a filling station (in the days when someone pumped your gas,cleaned your windshield and aired your tires). It was attached to a muffler,windshield,upholstery shop. Learned fast that if you see work get in and help---or owner would find a shop to put you in. Got into Telecommunications and been doing it professionally ever since. Eventually got a degree, then another, and another. But my real love is mechanics and making things work again.
I don't want to discount college. But like another member said, degrees open doors. It is not the degree so much as what it says. 1) This person started something and finished and 2)He is probably trainable.
On the other hand, College is not for everyone. Recently met a young man who attended welding school at Rankin Technical School in St Louis. He is doing very well. MHO, many "think" a college degree is the only way. It is not. There are MANY technical jobs out there but many, not all young people have not been afforded many of the things a boy naturally learns growing up - or did in my day. (changing tires/oil, wiring a house, laying concrete, building a house, rebuilding an engine, etc. etc.) Sadly, I have seen many who cannot even change a flat tire. Many of the public schools have done away with industrial arts and Home Education courses due to spending cuts. We now live in the Information Age. And younger kids have forgotten more than I will ever know. Watch them when they are texting. There predominant digits are their thumbs. But finding information is only part of the solution. One must know how to use tools and fix it. Many lack these necessary skills. As a father, we only have so much control. I always suggested that mine should get a degree (to open more doors) and then go drive a truck, ride bulls, or whatever. At least they could fall back on the degree later. Mine chose not to go to school. My 2 cents worth. Leaky

 

[why worry]

As Leaky said "I don't want to discount college. But like another member said, degrees open doors. It is not the degree so much as what it says. 1) This person started something and finished and 2)He is probably trainable." Very good advice. I went through the a apprenticeship in sheet metal which worked out well for me. As my carrier advanced wished I had a little more collage which would have made my life a lot easier. Anyway local unions are a great place to find out about apprenticeships, the pay and benefits are typically better than the non union side.

Why Worry

 

[onthefence777]

Pops always told me the only thing a BS degree did for you, is it shows you are willing to put up with BS. He was very successful with his degree. But it put him 6 feet under in his 50's. Are you living to work, or working to live?

 

[hotdogstand]

I suffered the whole "college or minimum wage" mentality of high school, never took any shop classes because I didn't know any better. I didn't go to college because I didn't have any money, didn't want student loans, and wasn't particularly impressed with school in general after high school. After a couple of years making jack $hit, I was recruited by the Navy as an Electronics Technician. I never imagined a career in electronics, but I have a natural affinity for mechanics/working with my hands, and I enjoy the work very much. In a month I transfer from my current command to teach radar systems.

I will agree with others who replied that the military is a good start. Take the ASVAB, let them offer you an MOS (rating) and if you don't like what they offer, walk to the next recruiting station. You don't owe them anything until you sign up.

 

[hotdogstand]

Sorry for the double post, but a lot of you are implying that you can only do one or the other. Take one class per semester at a community college while working a trade job. It may not be the fastest, but it is arguably the best way to the "top" because when those 4-year kids graduate along side you, you will be more experienced and more mature, two things employers care about, and without the massive debt.

 

[bazzateer]

5 Months at Hendon Police Training College followed by 18 months probationary on the job training. Then 26.5 years on the job training which is still on-going.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I learned everything on my own. My first job was a bicycle mechanic. I did everything from change tires to build wheels. And I learned it all at home. Same with working on cars and motorcycles, which I'm currently doing. I've also had IT jobs working with computers and programming. Self taught as well. Everything I learned was due to not having enough money, having the smarts to figure things out, and having the interest in working with my hands.

 

[pudgybear]

Contact the local trades union hall and they can answer questions about apprenticeships another thought like others have said go into the service and learn a trade

 

[mrjaw14]

I have a 4 year degree, but don't really use it. I'm in IT and my degree is in business. Dumb move on my part. Should have listened to my girlfriend at the time and done something specialized. I'm now in work I don't really like, and have a real hard time feeling like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. My advice is for your son to learn what he likes, and before he gets too deep into it take a look at the money he's making, vs what it takes to make a median wage in that profession, and compare that with the realistic upper range he'll be at in 5-10 years. He may decide, like I did, to do work you don't really like, so my family can be a little better off. If he wants a family he should consider that as well. Does he have to work long hours for little to no additional pay? I do. does he have to be on call and have to worry about getting called at all hours or out with the family? I do. Work is an almost constant thing for me. had I really looked at what I was doing in life I'd have made other choices. I didn't like what the data was telling me and ignored my better judgement. so research the hell out of every choice you make at a young age. My sister didn't think college was for her either, tried it and hit a wall really quick and then decided to go back later in life when she hit a wall at work. College is hard, I won't lie. And it's not for everyone, just ask bill gates. But i wasn't going to go to college for the wrong reason, I was scared to go, and that cost me precious time and money. What it all boils down to is what are you willing to accept out of life? If college just isn't for him, that's perfectly fine. I thought that too, delayed it, and now I'm 5 years into my career at age 30 where I should be pushing 8-10 years experience and making a lot more money. He's at a critical point in his life...what ever he chooses, the best thing you can do is help him be informed and lay it out on paper what life is likely to be like. Numbers don't lie. might love his job but if he can't make bills it won't matter. might could do same career but get a certification or apprenticeship and come in making more, or those might be a waste of time. research everything. talk to people in the field...take one out to lunch and get a candid view of the job, what it does to the body (or mind), and don't rush into anything.

 

[mrjaw14]

I'll append my above comments with something else: try his darndest to stay out of debt. student loans are the devil. I worked full time during college so I'd have the smallest student debt possible. trade schools are just as expensive as a community college for an AS degree, so this would apply if your son goes to a trade school. Best choice I made financially was to really be serious about not getting into debt. I know someone who went to a trade school and then to college and has almost 100k of debt. that's a hole she'll never get out of. work like no one else when you're young so you can live like no one else later in life!

 

[doojus]

Tell him to **** it up and get his degree and then do what he wants to after. I'm in that same boat right now and although I'm not unhappy with my career, 4 years would have been a drop in the bucket at that age. Now I'm in my 30s and going back to get the degree I wanted to start with is so much more complicated.

 

[Cmjl67]

Different type of trade, but somehow drifted into government service with the police, and an opportunity came up to work in their press office. As a news junkie it sounded interesting getting paid to watch tv, listen to the radio and read newspapers and the money was great as i was getting a 20% shift allowance and guaranteed overtime 3 weekends out of 4.

Interesting??? I loved every second, stressful as it was - over 150 murders in 2 years (worst was 8 in a single night), put in all the hours imaginable, learnt from day one as it was a real swim fast or sink environment, some wonderful mentors in my time

Left that on promotion (which cost me money), did a certain amount of press work over following 15 years in different jurisdictions and environments, returned home and joined civil service right at the bottom but thankfully press officer job (and 3 grade promotion) came up very fast and I somehow got it based on experience and ability, so that's where I am now

So why am I here? Always wanted to know how things work (including people), started messing with cars while living in US where I had to drive myself (at home had police drivers) with old dodge aries, then lincoln towncar, and now back at home I've achieved my dream by running a jaguar xj6

Jaguar xj6, garage journal? Natural match! She's 20 years old, needs constant care, and I plan to run her forever so need to know how.

And if any fellow jag owners can imagine, most of the police cars I was driven around in were armoured Jags (VIP ****** vehicles) - imagine the original 2 tons of steel with another 2 of armour plate and bulletproof glass (generally the 4 litre x300s with unmentionable upgrades) - now them was fun and comfortable to be driven in

c

 

[GPKughn]

Skilled trades are in high demand right now. For too many years we have been pushing everyone to college, but it's not for everyone. My personal path probably doesn't apply here, but I have two good friends that are in the trades. One used the Marines as a starting point. It was a great place to learn. He is certified in boiler repair and sheet metal and eventually used that to get into a Plumbing/Heating & Cooling business which he now owns. The other is an electrician and he started through the Union to get his training and eventually became a Master Electrician. Both are doing well. As for me, I went to college to play football and after four seasons, I somehow earned a business degree. I have no complaints. Good luck to your son.

 

[doojus]

Skilled trades are in high demand right now. For too many years we have been pushing everyone to college, but it's not for everyone.

It wasn't for me when I was 19 either, but I'm a different person now, like most are when they age. Looking back at it, "wasting" (as I saw it) 4 years back then would have been the best thing for me.

 

[ladderwell]

Spent 2 years working as a carpenter, then joined the Navy. Spent 6 years in aircraft maintenance, airframes specifically. The canoe club taught me metalsmithing, welding, composite repair, hydraulics, pneumatics, troubleshooting, supervisory skills. Returned to a local community college and got my fire science and paramedic degrees, and have now been working as a Firefighter/Paramedic/Engineer for 12 years.

 

[buildyourown]

Trade school. Got enough to get me in the door at a big aerospace machine shop, then just absorb any and all that you can.
Just do a little homework and make sure you are going into a trade that has jobs.