You just summed up the point I was going to make. The system is the problem. I've learned enough to do most electrical and plumbing jobs on my own home over the years. I know enough carpentry to do most repairs.
Good article, however I wouldn't waste time trying to get approvals from unions. They're bootlicking tire kickers in general. Find some of the top rated trades guys in your local area, contact them and just tell them you're looking to learn the trade and want to either join as an apprentice directly with them, or that you're willing to work for free in order to learn.
1-2 months of actual work experience puts trade schools to shame. Welding is quick and easy, pays a lot. Plumbing is easy. Electric is easy but more entrenched in unions and bureaucracy. Construction is easy to get into, just find reputable guys to teach you.
Read Michael Crawford. Avoid union shops. Find a reputable independent and apprentice with them. Six weeks with a true craftsman is worth 6 months of formalized certification.
I have a young friend who works in California as an electrician for the school system in Long Beach. Last year he made $125,000 dollars doing that work, and a lot of side work. He is in a union. I also have a friend who owns his own business, is not union, and learned on the job, while he took a few classes. The people he employs in the trades make $50.00 an hour. Last year he pulled in about the same as the union guy, but he has to pay out to his 2 employees. He is his own man, and answers to no one. How " large" he wants to get is up to him.
I'd hate to work for a school district. Replace a couple of lightbulbs and an outlet per day for grand pay, but no pride of workmanship. Taxpayer subsidized jobs shouldn't have to be union, given all the government regs. Unions were originally to protect workers from exploitation, before the internet and cellphone cameras etc.
I agree, but they like the money, and live near a beach in California. They paid big money for a house...hence they do what they do. Unions are useless in this day and age.
Your friend forund out the dirty secret of the trades . the unions gatekeep the entrance into an apprentice program. If you are not a reletive of someone in a union or very good friend then for all intents and purposes it's probably inpossible . I work in manufacturing in a midwestern state and the only kids who were able to get into the trades were reletives of current members.
HVAC may be the only exception , but I am not familar with that.
That’s why today’s military is a good option. The Air Force has the trades. They will teach you all the skills needed. And you get 30 days paid vacation per year.
Well, it's NOT the trade by itself but "The System" how these trades are protected from outer "influence".
Currently vilified Elon once said: "There's NO stuff out there on the planet, you've got to build it to accomplish your dreams"
Which is done by engineers and proficient trades-people.
NO WAY to circumnavigate that ...
Therefore: Learn to weld, don't think about trying to get a welder's certificate unless you want to teach youngsters later on.
BE self-sufficient, don't rely on others.
You just summed up the point I was going to make. The system is the problem. I've learned enough to do most electrical and plumbing jobs on my own home over the years. I know enough carpentry to do most repairs.
Good article, however I wouldn't waste time trying to get approvals from unions. They're bootlicking tire kickers in general. Find some of the top rated trades guys in your local area, contact them and just tell them you're looking to learn the trade and want to either join as an apprentice directly with them, or that you're willing to work for free in order to learn.
1-2 months of actual work experience puts trade schools to shame. Welding is quick and easy, pays a lot. Plumbing is easy. Electric is easy but more entrenched in unions and bureaucracy. Construction is easy to get into, just find reputable guys to teach you.
Read Michael Crawford. Avoid union shops. Find a reputable independent and apprentice with them. Six weeks with a true craftsman is worth 6 months of formalized certification.
Who is Michael Crawford? Do you have a link or something? Thanks.
This was the top search engine hit: https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/shop-class-as-soulcraft
I have a young friend who works in California as an electrician for the school system in Long Beach. Last year he made $125,000 dollars doing that work, and a lot of side work. He is in a union. I also have a friend who owns his own business, is not union, and learned on the job, while he took a few classes. The people he employs in the trades make $50.00 an hour. Last year he pulled in about the same as the union guy, but he has to pay out to his 2 employees. He is his own man, and answers to no one. How " large" he wants to get is up to him.
I'd hate to work for a school district. Replace a couple of lightbulbs and an outlet per day for grand pay, but no pride of workmanship. Taxpayer subsidized jobs shouldn't have to be union, given all the government regs. Unions were originally to protect workers from exploitation, before the internet and cellphone cameras etc.
I agree, but they like the money, and live near a beach in California. They paid big money for a house...hence they do what they do. Unions are useless in this day and age.
I’ve been a finish and marine carpenter, boat captain, diesel mechanic, commercial diver, welder, and on. I quit school cuz of recess I don’t play
Yeppers 👍 in Chicago it's not what you know.. it's WHO you know...like Congress , hand me down jobs go to the next family member 😳🙀🤔
Your friend forund out the dirty secret of the trades . the unions gatekeep the entrance into an apprentice program. If you are not a reletive of someone in a union or very good friend then for all intents and purposes it's probably inpossible . I work in manufacturing in a midwestern state and the only kids who were able to get into the trades were reletives of current members.
HVAC may be the only exception , but I am not familar with that.
That’s why today’s military is a good option. The Air Force has the trades. They will teach you all the skills needed. And you get 30 days paid vacation per year.