Trade Schools Stay Away!

I’m not sure many people know this but I’m a Licensed Texas Plumber. I have gone back to it, the money is just way to good to pass up right now. No one wants to be a plumber anymore. I mean no one wants to be a real plumber anymore, residential new construction does not count. Anyways we need guys so bad right now were offering $30-35 an hour plus commission and full benefits. We are getting no takers.

With this great pay and full benefits no one is going into the trade. I have spoken to a large recruiter for a plumbing company’s and was told they were not going to be allowed to recruit apprentices as they wanted to push students to colleges. WTF??

Then I come across this article and it seems to be a trend….take a look for yourself.

Making An Art Of Work - Web Exclusives - Plumbing and Mechanical

 

When I was working as a welder (Navy shipyard) there was always a (not so) friendly antagonistic relationship between the welders and the plumbers. The standard joke from the welders side was this:

There's only two things you need to know to be a plumber.
Shit flows downhill
Payday is Friday

I knew then and know now that plumbing is actually a much more of a difficult, skilled profession. Where I live slots in trade schools are fought for. Kids with poor grades, disciplinary issues, etc. just don't make it. There's plenty lined up behind them to take their places.

 

Trade schools aren't that sexy to most people I know. One of my teachers in high school told me to take up AC repair. His brother was over a program at a school about 45 minutes away from where I grew up at. He told me everybody he knew in the business had condos on the beach and drove luxury cars. My reply -- I want to go to a real school.

Years later I went to trade school and studied electricity and diesel mechanics. Although I don't currently work in either field, the company I work for prefers people with trades. I can tell you from experience, trade school graduates can make a damn good living.

 

My best friend from high school went into the printing press trade, he has worked at our hometown newspaper for 21 years. A kid I worked with in the Army was accepted into a SteamFitter/PipeFitter apprenticeship (Coulee Dam) and is now making about $40 an hour.

Trades are very unheralded but a fantastic way to make a living. Although some seem like they are feast or famine, but nowadays that is true with all professions. They do not cover this enough in high school around here. Most parents are offended if you tell them Joey or Janice would benefit from learning a trade. Parents would much rather have their kids fail out of college than learn to be a plumber.

 

I think there is some truth to this, but context is also important. Many times people suggest the trades in a way that sounds condescending. "Well, Johnny isn't doing so well in school. Maybe he should learn a trade!"

For me, I wouldn't have a problem if either of my sons went into a trade. I would still recommend that they take some college courses in order to be a well-rounded citizen, but you can always do that part-time at a community college on the cheap while you are practicing your trade and making money.

I also think that an AA in Business for someone in that situation would help because it would give them exposure to business principles in case they ever want to manage others or to run their own business.

I have relatives in my family who have worked in the HVAC industry, and they have done very well for themselves. I could never do a trade, not because I think it is beneath me but because I lack both the ability and the desire.

 

I had to get an education. I was too dumb to work.

Seriously though, I'm glad I got educated and I like my job but sometimes I wish I had a trade even if just for the weekend work.

 

My current take is that all HS graduates should wrap at least their general ed courses at the community college level, even if it takes them a few years. This way, they get some foundation for whatever life throws at them, exposure to higher ed and its social life and they have options for transferring into some other program at a later date without having to start from scratch.

 

My brother is a truck mechanic (not the most sexy job) but he is a master ASE certified tech and makes a heck of a lot of money. That is not counting any side money he could make.

 

For average to below-average graduates, this is likely a good option.

For the above-average graduates, however, scholarships often offset the cost differential, and they may benefit by having greater access to advanced coursework and research. Also, many of them have AP credit.

 

Sorry but that is the most ignorant thing I have ever heard.

 

I actually think it is a pretty good idea. I have heard a friend tell me that the gen ed classes helped them in life more then they ever expected. Besides, you have been on this board a long time and this is the most ignorant thing you ever heard?

 

No kidding, he obviosly does not read my posts.

 

I also think this is a good idea.
Not only is it a good way to learn what college life is all about it can save a bunch of money. My two sons-in-law both transferred to top schools (UCSB and USC) in their 3rd year, graduated, and obtained great jobs. Coming from a CC was a plus in getting accepted at a four year university.

 

I think college will not teach you jack about life. You will teach yourself about life. Someone who attends college is no better off than someone who attends tradeschool.

 

I will not even get into how you define "better". Is better working 60+ hours a week in a great executive management job earning $150K a year and having your family hate you because you are never around...but you got a big house! Or is it working 40 hours making $50K and being home for dinner every night?

I have met many adults that do not know jack about life - college or not (by the way Ian said "college life"). Since we are always about proof and backing what you say, what is the source of this - "Someone who attends college is no better off than someone who attends tradeschool" and better off in what sense? Unemployment rate? Lifetime earnings? Quality of life? Residence in a zip code that has a higher then average per capita income? The car they drive? Don't get me wrong, I am all for trade schools but I am confused.

 

Learn to spell "obviosly"; the correct spelling is obviously.

 

Come on Ted … lighten-up. :thanks:

 

Are you sure it's not a typo?

http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/33422-did-some-stiocky-threads-lose-their-stickys.html

Learn to spell "stiocky"; the correct spelling is sticky. The plural for sticky is "stickies" not stickys.

Kinda makes you look like an ass, huh?

 

Obviously.