Skilled Trades

[Anonymous]

https://grownandflown.com/seven-reasons-skilled-trades-best-path-teen/?utm_medium=socialflow&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1gbR-qaq4TTo8DNPSOxlznXNyfpA0c5iw-XAFyX13AZ_U3q0FSU6dx9K8

This is a great article. My son, who graduates next month, is not taking the "traditional" path to work. He really considered what he wants, what he likes to do, how he feels about school, what he wants to earn, where he wants to work, and more.

And he is probably going into welding, which is a perfect fit for him. He loves hands-on learning and creating things, he does not like book or computer learning and he wants to earn a good living.

Skills-based career opportunities exist across many industries, including healthcare, information technology, energy, manufacturing, public services, and others. And the path to reach them is shorter, more focused, and less expensive than the journey to a four-year degree.

[Anonymous]

My CPA's husband is a welder. He makes way, way more money than she does.

[Anonymous]

That's great, OP. My son is an engineer and had to learn basic welding as part of his degree requirements. He found it challenging and rewarding, and really respects the people who taught him this skill. Going into a trade can be an excellent career choice, though I hope that your son also has an opportunity somewhere along the way to pursue other interests that might inspire him -- not because I think those are more prestigious, but because he might find joy in being a welder who also loves poetry or art or who is knowledgeable about political issues. No matter what path he takes, I wish your son all the best!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's great, OP. My son is an engineer and had to learn basic welding as part of his degree requirements. He found it challenging and rewarding, and really respects the people who taught him this skill. Going into a trade can be an excellent career choice, though I hope that your son also has an opportunity somewhere along the way to pursue other interests that might inspire him -- not because I think those are more prestigious, but because he might find joy in being a welder who also loves poetry or art or who is knowledgeable about political issues. No matter what path he takes, I wish your son all the best!

I don't understand this part of your comment. Are you suggesting that a college education allows students an organized way to "pursue other interests that inspire" and that going into a trade doesn't?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That's great, OP. My son is an engineer and had to learn basic welding as part of his degree requirements. He found it challenging and rewarding, and really respects the people who taught him this skill. Going into a trade can be an excellent career choice, though I hope that your son also has an opportunity somewhere along the way to pursue other interests that might inspire him -- not because I think those are more prestigious, but because he might find joy in being a welder who also loves poetry or art or who is knowledgeable about political issues. No matter what path he takes, I wish your son all the best!

I don't understand this part of your comment. Are you suggesting that a college education allows students an organized way to "pursue other interests that inspire" and that going into a trade doesn't?

Not that poster but obviously a college education EXPOSES the students to many different aspects including the arts, training as a welder does not, it is simply training as a welder.

How you cannot figure that out yourself is kind of a tragedy.

[Anonymous]

That’s great OP. Not every kid’s strengths lend themselves to 4 year college degrees. The important thing, whether your kid goes the college route or not is to obtain marketable skills.

I do vocational work as part of my job. One thing to be aware of. Some skilled trades, a welding is one, are very hard on your body. By the time you are in your 50s, there is a good chance a welder has injuries or significant wear and tear and cannot physically do the job. Not everyone. But most people.

Your kid should have a plan for what happens as her ages. One great path is to take some community college business classes and start his own company and hire younger welders and transition to management as he ages.

[Anonymous]

Following this because I have a kid who may not even graduate from high school. We had a plumber with a gas license do work at our house recently. He was accompanied by three young trainees. They were remarkable young men. One of them was particularly engaging and I told him so. He said that he had been taught to work with the public at a local hardware store. The plumber shared with me that all of them had some kind of LD such as ADHD but he said they were all fantastic employees and on the path to success. We also discussed whether you can LOVE your job when you are in a skilled trade. The plumber said that you can and told me that some of his trainees do as well. I was really heartened by the discussion. I have a Phd and loved school but it is absolutely not for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://grownandflown.com/seven-reasons-skilled-trades-best-path-teen/?utm_medium=socialflow&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1gbR-qaq4TTo8DNPSOxlznXNyfpA0c5iw-XAFyX13AZ_U3q0FSU6dx9K8

This is a great article. My son, who graduates next month, is not taking the "traditional" path to work. He really considered what he wants, what he likes to do, how he feels about school, what he wants to earn, where he wants to work, and more.

And he is probably going into welding, which is a perfect fit for him. He loves hands-on learning and creating things, he does not like book or computer learning and he wants to earn a good living.

Skills-based career opportunities exist across many industries, including healthcare, information technology, energy, manufacturing, public services, and others. And the path to reach them is shorter, more focused, and less expensive than the journey to a four-year degree.

My defense contractor company pays welders 6 figures.

[Anonymous]

We insisted our son get his degree before pursuing carpentry. He’s apprenticing with a master carpenter and does truly beautiful work. But education is important no matter what you do. I would insist on at least two years in community college before joining a trade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That’s great OP. Not every kid’s strengths lend themselves to 4 year college degrees. The important thing, whether your kid goes the college route or not is to obtain marketable skills.

I do vocational work as part of my job. One thing to be aware of. Some skilled trades, a welding is one, are very hard on your body. By the time you are in your 50s, there is a good chance a welder has injuries or significant wear and tear and cannot physically do the job. Not everyone. But most people.

Your kid should have a plan for what happens as her ages. One great path is to take some community college business classes and start his own company and hire younger welders and transition to management as he ages.

Congrats to OP’s son. One huge mistake this country has made is trying to push everyone to college. The trades are hurting for people and can be a much better career path for many than wasting $$ on a four year degree that doesn’t really qualify them to do anything.

Very time this topic comes up someone posts the bolded. Of course people who work in construction or an industrial environment are going to have more injuries than someone sitting all day behind a desk, but the statement that “most people” in the trades are physically incapable of doing their job by 50 is just BS. I don’t know what kind of “vocational” work pp does, but I suspect that it exposes them to a higher % of disabled people than in the general population. I also wonder if they know people in the trades as family/personal friends, because I do. Yes, there are those with the occasional back issue, but I know lots of lawyers with bad backs, too. I also know many more lawyers with heart attacks from stress. There are certain professions, e.g., oil field rough neck, underwater welder, that have a high injury rate, but those jobs have commensurate pay. The skilled tradespeople I know are smart enough to have younger assistants/apprentices that do the heavy lifting/less skilled work. Where you start is not where you finish. This is what convinces me that pp hasn’t actually been on any actual job sites.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That’s great OP. Not every kid’s strengths lend themselves to 4 year college degrees. The important thing, whether your kid goes the college route or not is to obtain marketable skills.

I do vocational work as part of my job. One thing to be aware of. Some skilled trades, a welding is one, are very hard on your body. By the time you are in your 50s, there is a good chance a welder has injuries or significant wear and tear and cannot physically do the job. Not everyone. But most people.

Your kid should have a plan for what happens as her ages. One great path is to take some community college business classes and start his own company and hire younger welders and transition to management as he ages.

Congrats to OP’s son. One huge mistake this country has made is trying to push everyone to college. The trades are hurting for people and can be a much better career path for many than wasting $$ on a four year degree that doesn’t really qualify them to do anything.

Very time this topic comes up someone posts the bolded. Of course people who work in construction or an industrial environment are going to have more injuries than someone sitting all day behind a desk, but the statement that “most people” in the trades are physically incapable of doing their job by 50 is just BS. I don’t know what kind of “vocational” work pp does, but I suspect that it exposes them to a higher % of disabled people than in the general population. I also wonder if they know people in the trades as family/personal friends, because I do. Yes, there are those with the occasional back issue, but I know lots of lawyers with bad backs, too. I also know many more lawyers with heart attacks from stress. There are certain professions, e.g., oil field rough neck, underwater welder, that have a high injury rate, but those jobs have commensurate pay. The skilled tradespeople I know are smart enough to have younger assistants/apprentices that do the heavy lifting/less skilled work. Where you start is not where you finish. This is what convinces me that pp hasn’t actually been on any actual job sites.

Well, I’ve never posted this before. And three things.

One, yes. I have direct, on-site experience. I also have voc. rehab experience, so I probably am exposed to a higher % of disabled people. But, I’ll stand by the assertion that most people cannot meet the physical demands of welding into their 50s. And it’s not just lift/carry. There are significant postural demands which stress your spine and joints and environmental requirements, like exposure to hazards (duh), noise, fumes and extreme heat. Even if you aren’t actually injured, repetitive stress injuries are common.

This is written for perspective welders

https://job-evaluator.com/being-a-welder-pros-cons/

Here’s more technical info

https://occupationalinfo.org/81/819384010.html

A strength of M (medium) is lifting up to 50 lbs

Two, I’m not dissing welders or any other skilled trade. I’m not saying OP’s kid shouldn’t be a welder. You’re right, Many professions have long term downsides. If my kid wanted to go to law school, I’d advise them to be careful about taking on too much debt to do so, because jobs that pay enough to repay the debt have crappy work conditions. If my kid wanted to work in a restaurant kitchen, I’d have concerns about substance abuse. Etc.

I’m providing information and things to think about long term. Welding is a very physically demanding job, and most people’ bodies can’t stand up to 30-40 years of years of the physical demands. Things you might not even think about, like developing retinopathy or COPD can make you unemployable as a welder.

BUT, I’m not saying this should stop OP’s kid. I am saying OP’s kid should do what they can to stay in shape and protect their health. AND that they should have a long term plan that doesn’t require lifting 100 pounds at age 60. Maybe that’s saving a ton and restring early. I’d advise my kid to go to the CC and learn how to operate a small business, so that in time they can transition into a supervisory role.

3. My kid is doing an engineering prototyping track, and is a certified welder. So, there’s that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That’s great OP. Not every kid’s strengths lend themselves to 4 year college degrees. The important thing, whether your kid goes the college route or not is to obtain marketable skills.

I do vocational work as part of my job. One thing to be aware of. Some skilled trades, a welding is one, are very hard on your body. By the time you are in your 50s, there is a good chance a welder has injuries or significant wear and tear and cannot physically do the job. Not everyone. But most people.

Your kid should have a plan for what happens as her ages. One great path is to take some community college business classes and start his own company and hire younger welders and transition to management as he ages.

Congrats to OP’s son. One huge mistake this country has made is trying to push everyone to college. The trades are hurting for people and can be a much better career path for many than wasting $$ on a four year degree that doesn’t really qualify them to do anything.

Very time this topic comes up someone posts the bolded. Of course people who work in construction or an industrial environment are going to have more injuries than someone sitting all day behind a desk, but the statement that “most people” in the trades are physically incapable of doing their job by 50 is just BS. I don’t know what kind of “vocational” work pp does, but I suspect that it exposes them to a higher % of disabled people than in the general population. I also wonder if they know people in the trades as family/personal friends, because I do. Yes, there are those with the occasional back issue, but I know lots of lawyers with bad backs, too. I also know many more lawyers with heart attacks from stress. There are certain professions, e.g., oil field rough neck, underwater welder, that have a high injury rate, but those jobs have commensurate pay. The skilled tradespeople I know are smart enough to have younger assistants/apprentices that do the heavy lifting/less skilled work. Where you start is not where you finish. This is what convinces me that pp hasn’t actually been on any actual job sites.

Well, I’ve never posted this before. And three things.

One, yes. I have direct, on-site experience. I also have voc. rehab experience, so I probably am exposed to a higher % of disabled people. But, I’ll stand by the assertion that most people cannot meet the physical demands of welding into their 50s. And it’s not just lift/carry. There are significant postural demands which stress your spine and joints and environmental requirements, like exposure to hazards (duh), noise, fumes and extreme heat. Even if you aren’t actually injured, repetitive stress injuries are common.

This is written for perspective welders

https://job-evaluator.com/being-a-welder-pros-cons/

Here’s more technical info

https://occupationalinfo.org/81/819384010.html

A strength of M (medium) is lifting up to 50 lbs

Two, I’m not dissing welders or any other skilled trade. I’m not saying OP’s kid shouldn’t be a welder. You’re right, Many professions have long term downsides. If my kid wanted to go to law school, I’d advise them to be careful about taking on too much debt to do so, because jobs that pay enough to repay the debt have crappy work conditions. If my kid wanted to work in a restaurant kitchen, I’d have concerns about substance abuse. Etc.

I’m providing information and things to think about long term. Welding is a very physically demanding job, and most people’ bodies can’t stand up to 30-40 years of years of the physical demands. Things you might not even think about, like developing retinopathy or COPD can make you unemployable as a welder.

BUT, I’m not saying this should stop OP’s kid. I am saying OP’s kid should do what they can to stay in shape and protect their health. AND that they should have a long term plan that doesn’t require lifting 100 pounds at age 60. Maybe that’s saving a ton and restring early. I’d advise my kid to go to the CC and learn how to operate a small business, so that in time they can transition into a supervisory role.

3. My kid is doing an engineering prototyping track, and is a certified welder. So, there’s that.

Of course if you’re doing rehab you don’t see the healthy people. Your links don’t support your blanket statement that “most” welders are incapable of working by age 50. “Physically demanding” and “may” be injured is not that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That's great, OP. My son is an engineer and had to learn basic welding as part of his degree requirements. He found it challenging and rewarding, and really respects the people who taught him this skill. Going into a trade can be an excellent career choice, though I hope that your son also has an opportunity somewhere along the way to pursue other interests that might inspire him -- not because I think those are more prestigious, but because he might find joy in being a welder who also loves poetry or art or who is knowledgeable about political issues. No matter what path he takes, I wish your son all the best!

I don't understand this part of your comment. Are you suggesting that a college education allows students an organized way to "pursue other interests that inspire" and that going into a trade doesn't?

Not that poster but obviously a college education EXPOSES the students to many different aspects including the arts, training as a welder does not, it is simply training as a welder.

How you cannot figure that out yourself is kind of a tragedy.

I was trying to give the poster the benefit of the doubt because the post sounds condescending - as does your unsolicited reply. There are plenty of schools that don't have core curriculums or require their say, engineering students, to take classes that are irrelevant to their major. Just because these classes are happening on the same campus does not equate EXPOSURE. A four year college is not the only place to learn and not all schools operate like SLACS.

[Anonymous]

Welders who can scuba dive can easily make $300,000 a year

[Anonymous]

Ok OP, that works. What also works is getting a college degree first and then going into all the fields you talk about.

Whatever works for your DC and your family.