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161
Joined
6/14/2014
Location
Northville, MI
US
Kkawi
2/9/2019 12:05am
2/9/2019 12:05am
Edited Date/Time
3/5/2019 9:28am
I posted a thread a while back looking for life/job advice(sorry for the offtopic-ness), and I'm pretty sure that I want to go into a trade. I'm thinking about going to school for welding or for an electrician. I taught myself to stick weld when I was 15 and I really like it so I feel like that might be a good choice. Just looking to discuss some of the specifics and get advice.
The Shop
If I had it to do over, I'd go electrical and stick to a good union. A 20 year 01 electrician that is industrial commercial versed can damn near write their own check. 100 plus is very.common.
Electrician is a good gig, and likely more easily employable than a welder, at least locally. If the current trends continue, there will be almost no tradespeople left, and even more underemployed/unemployed college grads. We need young people to get into the business on every level, and in every trade.
The work is tough, but rewarding, and the money is there if you keep your nose to the grindstone. Good luck!
My point is that there is lots of room to grow in any trade if you apply yourself. I make more than double the salary of the average college graduate and I didn’t put myself in debt while trying to learn, in fact I got paid very well while learning. Trades are an excellent way to go.
Lineman is a great gig, lots of fun. Something you should definitely look into.
This is all based off the electrical trade. I have no experience with the other trades other than working alongside them but I’m sure all of these same opportunities are available in any trade you choose. It’s all about setting goals and applying yourself.
Get a job selling insurance.
The type of work performed varies and is similar to many of the previously listed.
One day you can be welding machine beams down and the next be wiring a complex industrial control system.
It consistently rates as one of the number one “blue collar” trades.
There is a comprehensive 4 year apprenticeship program.
The pay and benefits are second to none.
Pit Row
I went to work for a major railroad as a signalman. My job consists of installing and maintaining the railroad electrical devices and mechanical devices along a specific portion of railroad.. It can get very complex sometimes. It's a union gig and pay is great along with outstanding retirement. It's a very good job.
BUT...
Being on call can be a real drag sometimes if you get into a maintenance job. I recommend if you have a family and want to stay a family to stay away from being on call. You WILL miss out on lots of important family time when that phone rings unexpectedly. If you don't have a wife and kids then maybe it's not that big of a deal. Something to think about though.
Now,
If I were to do it again (which I might) I think I may become a teacher. Lower pay but the schedule is great, you get to help those that want to learn and pretty much do your own thing. Plus who doesn't want to be off work paid a few months a year in the summer?? And you probably won't wear out your body doing it.
Good luck on your journey and do something your passionate about.!
make a lot of money don't be a motorcycle mechanic
Went to trade school out of high school to become an automotive technician. Worked for a dealer for over ten years, made a ton of money and had a great time doing it. It is hard work, hard on your body, and working flat rate is a tough mental game.
As I got older I wanted something more steady, more forgiving on my body. Moved from the dealer to the state police, spent a year building Troop cars and speaciatily vehicles (it was awesome). Obviously a pay cut, but benefits went way up compared to the dealer.
Got a call from a friend about a automotive teacher position at the local career & technical school. I applied because we had just had my son, and really felt like that was the best move for my family. Again, money was similar to the police gig (half of what I was making at dealer) but the benefits and time off are crazy. Plenty of time to spend with my family, don’t have to worry about sitters over school breaks or summer.
Teaching is the hardest job I’ve ever done. Mentally exhausting, admin always wanting more, kids being a pain, papaerwork, grades, etc. BUT making connections with these kids, getting them through high school, having them come back a few years later to visit when they are working have money and a brand new car, that’s the coolest feeling in the world.
Post a reply to: Any Skilled Tradesmen here I can ask some questions?