School Suggestions

[JbTech]

I know there is a wide and varied amount of knowledge here.

I have a 17 y.o. son who does really well in school. High GPA.

I've tried to get him to follow me in the military, no dice.
He scored 77 on his Asvab for Electrical.

He's got my post 9/11 GI Bill to use.

He's looking at electrical Tech Schools in/near Ohio.
He's looked in PA and Ohio thus far.

Any suggestions on what to look for?
I know he will succeed at anything he does, but want to help push him in the right direction.

This may not be the place for this, so excuse me if I msisposted.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

What I did and others I know did was a local community college first both to save money and then some then went to major universities, at that point knowing more what they wanted to major in and also saving expense.
I put myself through school with different jobs which also helped me knowing what I did and didn't want to do for a living.

Sent from my SM-S320VL using Tapatalk

 

[sberry]

This is a good time to be looking at union halls.

 

[Stuart in MN]

There are a lot of different types of electrical technician jobs, any idea what specifically he may be interested in?

 

[American Locomotive]

What do you mean by electrical tech schools? Is he trying to be an electrician, an electrical diagnostician (industry, machinery, automotive, etc..) or is he trying to do electrical engineering?

 

[JbTech]

Likely not engineering...I think he's looking at schools that specialize in installation and design type stuff.
Like the sparky end of stuff.

Likely need him to narrow it down before I can help, but we all know how kids are.

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[LS6 Tommy]

If he has a high GPA and is interested in "design type stuff" an EE degree should be in his sights.

Tommy

 

[matt_i]

I was thinking similar, go for the EE degree. Likely it would have the highest probability to pay the highest wage.

 

[Jim greengo]

Tell him to find a job he likes 1st,then find a school to match.

 

[Chucktin]

I think Fine House building has some resources that he might like to look at. They are southern-blind tho, if that makes a difference.

 

[Tmart86]

Depending on what he wants to do I've been down the Automotive, low voltage and Engineering tracks.

I would find a Community College that had something along the lines of a Electronics engineering technology program. Unless he wants to go the union apprenticeship route. My reasoning for at least a 2 year degree is it lets him change areas if he wants vs the Union and that training really only applying to a very specific are. I've made several changes to fin the right fit that's why I never went the local electrical union route even after being accepted.

I started going to school for automotive and working ans a automotive electronics installer for roughly 7 years. during this time I got a degree in Electronics engineering technology and it has let me work as a tech on avionics, then I was a service manager at a communications company installing two way radio systems for commercial and public safety customers, security systems, camera systems, and police and over vehicle installs. I have now made the jump to a Manufacturing engineer working on radios for our military.

 

[vavet]

I am a big advocate for trades and technical training. With that said, a full-blown 4 year EE degree is likely to open a lot of doors. We have a couple EEs here at my work and they do a lot of hands-on PCB design and coding. It looks like a lot of fun.
If he does that and decides he still wants to be a tradesman, then he'll have a lot of knowledge about the theory that can help him when he goes to become an apprentice. is it overkill? Yeah, probably. But one slip from a ladder and he'll wish he had that degree in his back pocket because he could keep on working from a desk.

 

[75gmck25]

In my experience, one of the hardest to find skills is the understanding of electrical theory and troubleshooting, so anybody with good skills is always in demand. Just go to any car hobby site and look at guys who would rebuild an entire car, but are then ready to admit they can't figure out how to troubleshoot simple electrical and electronic problems.

I am not talking about an electrician who wires houses; I am talking about someone who can work through an electrical diagram and understand the devices and wiring and how they work together. Almost every industry now has automation that requires these skills

I would try to find him a junior college or technical college that offers programs in both electrical engineering and mechanical engineering fundamentals. The EE part is interesting to me, but many guys enjoy the ME side even more because of the visible results when a machine operates or a vehicle drives off. Once he figures out what he likes, and if he wants to continue his schooling, then look at 4 year schools that add on to these skills and get him a degree that ensures he gets paid what he's worth.

Bruce

 

[75gmck25]

In my experience, one of the hardest to find skills is the understanding of electrical theory and troubleshooting, so anybody with good skills is always in demand. Just go to any car hobby site and look at guys who would rebuild an entire car, but are then ready to admit they can't figure out how to troubleshoot electrical and electronic problems.

I am not talking about an electrician who wires houses; I am talking about someone who can work through an electrical diagram and understand the devices and wiring and how they work together. Almost every industry now has automation that requires these skills

I would try to find him a junior college or technical college that offers programs in both electrical engineering and mechanical engineering fundamentals. The EE part is interesting to me, but many guys enjoy the ME side even more because of the visible results when a machine operates or a vehicle drives off. Once he figures out what he likes, and if he wants to continue his schooling, then look at 4 year schools that add on to these skills and get him a degree that ensures he gets paid what he's worth.

For many kids, the military provides the same skills as that initial 2 year tech school would, and they come out with benefits that pay for more school afterwards. If he has good ASVAB scores he may want to start negotiating with a recruiter for a guarantee of a specific specialty. During the recruiting process its like any job negotiation, if you don't get what you want, walk out and don't take the job.

Bruce

 

[RPH]

Look into biomedical programs. This equipment requires constant evaluation and calibration. Also the working conditions are very comfortable. Hours and pay are very good.

 

[MBfreak]

EE is most often very predictable and based on math and physics. And experience.
A good starting point would be to spend a lot of effort on math, and if your son wants to understand and design power circuits a solid base in geometry is required.
Follow up with linear algebra and imaginary ( right word for the root of -1 type math?) calculations.
Electric and magnetic fields are then a logic continuation.

No matter how intelligent a person is, math requires perseverance and you have to solve a lot of problems before you are even half-way there.

Good luck to your son.

Ola

 

[sberry]

I am a big advocate for trades and technical training. With that said, a full-blown 4 year EE degree is likely to open a lot of doors. We have a couple EEs here at my work and they do a lot of hands-on PCB design and coding. It looks like a lot of fun.
If he does that and decides he still wants to be a tradesman, then he'll have a lot of knowledge about the theory that can help him when he goes to become an apprentice. is it overkill? Yeah, probably. But one slip from a ladder and he'll wish he had that degree in his back pocket because he could keep on working from a desk.

When I entered apprenticeship I scored really high on the aptitude but there was 1 higher. He was a guy had about 6 years of extra schoolin and was a step from an engineer which was coming and guys wondered why he would fall back to trade apprentice. At that time a lot of places actually paid jounryman wages anyway but I ran in to him a couple times and in the second year the guy was running jobs for some big outfit that snagged him up.

I was on a nuke and as a fitter made as much as many of the engineers. Not the top but the grunt types anyway. The pay scales among the trades is only a starting point for top hands, they can and do pay more in some circumstances and for some people.

 

[vertguy]

Look into biomedical programs. This equipment requires constant evaluation and calibration. Also the working conditions are very comfortable. Hours and pay are very good.

^^this... schools like Devry have BMET specific degree programs.

I have worked in the medical imaging service industry for many years and there are a ton of babyboomers retiring right now with a very small pool of qualified candidates to fill the growing number of vacated positions. So career opportunities in this field will only get better. And there is also growth potential (at least with some employers) for those who want more.

This type of career path is great for someone who has an in interest in and can learn electrical/electronics along with the ability to problem solve/fix.

 

[matt_i]

Another thought, if a person can learn and get good at ladder logic they will not ever have to be out of work for long. PLCs run more and more automation, in my opinion they are the most reliable, easily changed processor for manufacturing, and I doubt that is going to change soon, and it requires this skillset. In this area, Rockwell/Allen Bradley and Siemens seem to be the largest players. Sure there's quirks amongst manufacturers, and a lot of advanced processing functions for movement of data, but the ladder logic always works the same.

Another subset of manfacturing is the use of robots. Fanuc seems to be the biggest player locally but I've been around ABBs, Kuka, Yasakawa. Each of course have differences but the ability to get into a program and troubleshoot or change/modify it is a powerful skill.

You don't need an EE degree for either. All you really need is a desire to learn.

 

[dogdog]

I know there is a wide and varied amount of knowledge here.

I have a 17 y.o. son who does really well in school. High GPA.

I've tried to get him to follow me in the military, no dice.
He scored 77 on his Asvab for Electrical.

He's got my post 9/11 GI Bill to use.

He's looking at electrical Tech Schools in/near Ohio.
He's looked in PA and Ohio thus far.

Any suggestions on what to look for?
I know he will succeed at anything he does, but want to help push him in the right direction.

This may not be the place for this, so excuse me if I msisposted.

I think if he is a hands on / engineering type with High GPA, it would be a waste to go to a volcatech program... not that it is anything wrong with it, just the old saying still true, a mind is a terrible thing to waste. If he has the GPA like you say he has.

An engineering focus school dependents on his interest .... something already mentioned, Bio-engineering..Electrical engineering, Computer Engineering... Electronics engineer? Mechanical Engineering?
If he is more technical inclined , I would think he might be better fit with a polytechnic universities or applied sciences , I would search for school with programs focus on those... than a more traditional universities...

 

[Marctrees]

Highly suggest you read this post w your Son.

Both of you need to clearly understand the generrally, usually, typical VERY different work environments of Electrician compared to EE.

E requires MUCH more physical labor, often very uncomfortable..Ladders, scaffolds, bucket trucks possibly, HOTTT as Hell attics, HOTT as Hell or cold as Ice industrial plants, or of course, outdoors.

Even maybe, occassionally walking out on high beams to get to a light or something.

If wiring new homes- requires running and jumping around like a young wild monkey pulling "Rope" while your supervisor is on your *** to hurry up.

EE, on the other hand... is USUALLY in office conditions.

Even if employed at a large industrial facility, even though you may spend some time out of office out in the Plant, you will still normally have an AC'd office to return to.

E- will get home at night needing a shower b 4 any Nookie.

EE will get home... usually, in most cases, appropriately acceptable for immediate Nookie.

Obviously, different specific positions w diff employers may vary anything above..

but how I explained it is usually pretty realistic Life.

That's just my thoughts after 25 yrs Res and light comm E contractor... including a few years Maintenance E at a large iron processing plant.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

Also, should be obvious, but needs to be counciously seriously considered...

When a Young Pup, all that ladder and etc BS I talked about may be OK,

BUT, I guarantee the older one gets, the more of a problem it becomes.

Don't think you will find anyone here to not heartily agree w that.

An important consideration.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

Unless one, after careful long thought...

"HATES inside desk work"

EE is way better than E.

Being outdoors vs desk can get old specially as one ages as I said before.

Marc

Marc

 

[DSMR]

EE's that do not mind getting dirty are in high demand.

 

[Marctrees]

True.

As an E, I never minded getting in some cases insanely filthy dirty.

True, that EE that is OK to go ANYWHERE is a plus.

Real Life.

Marc

 

[rjn2649]

My experience, I would (should have) go to a community college before a trade school. Or go to the union.

I hate when I hear "college isn't for everyone" While I understand that statement, you don't know until you GO. Go first learn a few things THEN decide it isn't right for you.

 

[Marctrees]

Mostly irrelevant to this thread due to Geo location, but I went to Dunwoody Industrial Institute in Mpls.

Very honored among Employers.

The most important thing for a young person to "Succeed" in life is to make sure they use their "Gifts"

"Do what you Love, and you will NEVER WORK a Day in your Life"

Most of us, many, maybe only some....Me anyway,,,,

When we go to bed at night,

Think about what we will do the next day.

When one has a job they "Hate"...

They have NO thinking that is enjoyable that will progress.

OK, this may be Captain Obvious to some, ...

BUT I GUARANTEE ..

NOT to ALL.

Back when I was in HS, grad in '75,,

The Guidance Counselors where totally worthless...

ALLLL they talked about... Was like what Federal studies showed needs for what skills in the near future.....

NEVER NEVER did they ask ANYTHING like....

"What have you done in your Life to this point in time that you enjoyed and felt you succeeded in" ?????????

NO MATTER how small and inconsiquential you may think...

WHAT was it ??

A Painting or other "Artwork" ???

Something more physical "Hands On" like building a Workbench, maybe Tree House ???

Writing something, like a poem or story ???

WHATTTT was it that gave you the feeling in the BOTTOM CORE of YOUR.. YOUR BELLY to your *******............ SATISFACTION and feeling of ACCOMPLISHMENT ?????

THIS..

THIS...

Is the direction YOU should go...

IRELLIVENT of money...

OR...

OR...

What your Parents or ANYBODY else says...

"BE a Doctor or Lawyer"........

Going to Bed and your thinkng, your Dreams, ...

"IF You do what YOU Love, you will Never WORK a single day in your Life"

GO where your Love and Gifts are.

If I would have realized all this,at early age, my Life would have been different.

Nobody told me.

Marc

 

[slidehammer]

If his academics are exceptional, he may qualify for a full ride to a private university. For example, MIT claims "for students with family incomes under $90,000 a year, we ensure that scholarship funding will allow them to attend MIT tuition free."

 

[Bert_]

Good programs have a reputation, shouldn't be hard to find that out. Local to me community college has electrical program that is very good, get students from all across the state.

Personally I would rather not sit at a desk all day, a few hours fine. I am not an old guy so that may be part of it. As a small local electrician I get a variety of work and that is a big plus for me. One day I might dig a trench, run conduit or motor controls. Other times I might rough in a house. I really enjoy doing the design as well as install of a electrical system. Just my 2¢

 

[Jim greengo]

Good programs have a reputation, shouldn't be hard to find that out. Local to me community college has electrical program that is very good, get students from all across the state.

Personally I would rather not sit at a desk all day, a few hours fine. I am not an old guy so that may be part of it. As a small local electrician I get a variety of work and that is a big plus for me. One day I might dig a trench, run conduit or motor controls. Other times I might rough in a house. I really enjoy doing the design as well as install of a electrical system. Just my 2¢

 

[crewchief888]

This is a good time to be looking at union halls.

if he's looking for the "hands on" end of the trade, i agree with sberry.

as much as i dislike some of the unions (tactics) around here, if i was much, much younger, i'd be looking closely at a union apprenticeship.

 

[JbTech]

Thanks for all the input!

Lots of good viewpoints!

Just had the boy read through all the responses. It's hard to say what he absorbs, but he is insistent on some sort of degree.
Currently looking at a Community College near Dayton, Ohio.

We'll see how this plays out...
I'm not a mind reader.

He's a good kid with a good head on his shoulders.

Let the games begin!

 

[ReggieR]

if he's looking for the "hands on" end of the trade, i agree with sberry.

as much as i dislike some of the unions (tactics) around here, if i was much, much younger, i'd be looking closely at a union apprenticeship.

BINGO......BUT in the south..............Those (can we say chosen- without banded ?) in the north are dickheads/ Tell the boy to head 1000 or so miles south and check it out