Another vote for plumber, electrician, welder and look for union apprenticeship programs. DH has a relative who is a welder and he makes a teeny tiny part that all car washes need but have trouble sourcing. He makes a fortune with his side hustle.

Military. If he is physically/medically able.

It doesn’t matter how “interested” he is it now. He doesn’t seem to be interested in much of anything passionately at the moment.

The military will teach him a skill, he will gain leadership knowledge, it is character building, provides everything he needs, money for future college.

It isn’t permanent. He can serve 4 yrs then do something else, but it is a fantastic springboard for many many things. A great opportunity creator

I have a cousin who didn’t want to go the college route and became a welder. While it’s hard work, I think the money is pretty good and there’s always a demand.

As anyone who has done any home renovations in the recent past can attest, all of the skilled trades involved in construction - carpentry, electrician, plumbing, tile, etc etc are in high demand. Some jobs are more physically taxing than others, perfect to try some things out, see what he likes.

Also if he has a creative side - I knew someone who got into metalsmithing - think: railings, etc, and the like - he has been super successful with his own business and works on custom high end luxury properties. Allows him to be creative as well.

You might look and see what the local CC's have on offer. Maybe just perusing the program list will spark some interest. Talk to your neighbor, for sure. Think about what he likes to do, his hobbies, his preference for inside/outside, computer/hands, interacting with others/working alone, etc. And have him consider some basic business classes at a CC, which are useful for lots of different vocations -- running his own business or working for a small business.

Does he want to work indoors or outdoors?
Is he good with people?
Does he like mechanical things?
Does he want to travel?
Does he like boats/water?
Is he entrepreneurial?

In addition to the great options already mentioned, here's some more ideas: park ranger; locksmith; linesman; flight attendant; merchant marine; coast guard; painter; crime scene cleanup; restaurant management; retail management; painter; oil rig worker; police officer; and firefighter.

If he’s outdoorsy or aspires to be, investigate Earth Corps:

https://www.earthcorps.org/join-the-corps/corps-program-overview/

It’s based in the Puget Sound but accepts applicants from around the world. We have relatives who live down the street from an Earth Corps supervisor. A lot of corps members go on to be arborists, wetlands restoration workers, etc and often go on to get college degrees in environmental studies or technical certifications in related fields.

If he works as a precision welder (some of my client companies do military work) like at Los Alamos, for example, you can make up $60 an hour. That's just for a welder - with experience, of course. There are foremen and floor supervisor positions and such that he could move into as he ages.

Mortuary science. UDC has a two year program.

Anonymous wrote:Does he want to stay in the DC area (assuming you are in the area)?

Yes, DC proper. He says he wants to stay in DC.

Does he want to stay in the DC area (assuming you are in the area)?

Video editing that can use after effects. Every company I've ever worked for is always looking for video editors that is competent in after effects.

Absolutely not culinary school. That is a scam. If he wants that career, he should get whatever job he can at the best restaurant he can and move up. But it’s a brutal career.

Electrician seems much more sustainable to me than plumbing. Still physically difficult but not as much time reaching and straining.

I think becoming a licensed electrician would be smart, lucrative and could transition into other things like general contracting if he wanted to. Electricians are always in demand and well paid.

This would involve more education, but some athletes go on to work as physical therapists. Or work with kid sports. Or physical education.

Hey OP, I want to give you props for helping your kid look into other options. It's a refreshing change from the DCUM-type parents who write their kids' college recs, etc etc etc. Good job for knowing your smart kid for who he is.