The beauty of Facebook with family members..
My mom just posted this with the comment "Absolutely!"
I agree, trade school is a viable option but currently one may still need FAFSA to attend. So, it's not a way to get out of student loans.
But I laugh because when I was growing up, not attending college was NEVER an option. I imagine the lecture we would have gotten at the kitchen table.
In reality, the talk my four brothers and I actually received was, "Pick one.. engineer or teacher."
Union apprenticeships are growing all around the country.
In many places, apprenticeship spots, go unfulfilled. Because nobody knows about them. Apprenticeships are the way to go get paid and learn at the same time.
@corlin I agree, most people are unaware of the availability. And I do think college is not for everyone. We are all multi-faceted and individuals excel in a variety of areas and interests.
Personally, I wish I had taken auto mechanics in HS. Not to be a mechanic by profession, but just to have had a working knowledge. But I was too busy with college-oriented classes.
@ChippySuave @corlin my oldest son is in an electrician apprenticeship, makes over 60k and is only a third year!
My middle son graduates HS this year and doesn’t know what he wants to do. He’s taking a welding class this term so I am hoping he likes it and will consider joining the union. Hubby & I were looking at their website and the benefits & pay are amazing! He is a smart kid but more hands on vs sitting in a classroom. And he needs something that has good medical insurance. (T1 diabetic)
The fastest growing job, that pays fantastic, is wind turbine service technician.
@corlin @AverageCitizen @ChippySuave An academic friend of mine used to speak of the power of combining two disparate skills. The earning potential of an underwater welder is many times that of a welder or a diver.
@AverageCitizen Don't forget the elevator construction union! They command some of the highest wage/benefit packages of any of the building trades. If I were to do it all again, they would have been my first choice, even though the Ironworkers have been very good for myself and my family. @ChippySuave @corlin
@AverageCitizen Don't be shy about calling or visiting the training center of union hall and speaking with the Apprenticeship Coordinator or Organizer. They are your gateway.
@ChippySuave @corlin
@ChippySuave @corlin My dad, a building inspector, apprenticed me with a plumber for a summer. It was kinda awful cuz the guy was an alcoholic - I'd end up sitting on his porch most days after banging on his door to wake him. But I did learn a lot. Enough to know if a plumber is trying to rip me off... LOL
It wasn't union though and the pay wasn't great. And there is no way I was going to try to be a plumber since I was on a college track.
I did take some auto mech.. none of that applies now.
@ChippySuave @corlin I would love to have gone back and taken wood shop. A skill I could really use now!