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I have a decade old associates, and was earning a bachelors in Russian, but I'm considering going to a trade school to learn something like machining, or welding. I want to ensure a marketable skill and future for myself in the face of not being able to work somewhere because of my refusal to attend marxist re-education university, wear a mask, get vaccinated etc. However that excludes alot of career options for me. I can't be alone in this, so what did you all do? Is it possible to work full time while doing this?

https://files.catbox.moe/jrydvi.webm I have a decade old associates, and was earning a bachelors in Russian, but I'm considering going to a trade school to learn something like machining, or welding. I want to ensure a marketable skill and future for myself in the face of not being able to work somewhere because of my refusal to attend marxist re-education university, wear a mask, get vaccinated etc. However that excludes alot of career options for me. I can't be alone in this, so what did you all do? Is it possible to work full time while doing this?

(post is archived)

[–] • 2 pts

It's a good idea and it helps to be autodidactic in order to evade all of the fees and shit associated with sanctioned practicing. You could find a way to make your own money without needing to buy in to the shitty system, but if you need a crutch, a trade school isn't a bad idea.

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

Learn Solidworks. That alone is a good career. I know several people that have advanced rapidly in engineering jobs just due to their knowledge of that program. None of them have enginerring degrees and they are all doing well now. One guy i know had a graphic design degree and is now designing products for a major engineering company with the knowledge he got in an elective class he thought looked interesting.... If you plan on doing any machining or fabrication these days, its all drawn out in Solidworks first.

[–] • 1 pt

This is quite true. Major firms I am familiar with have started hiring a number of people who once would have been called "draftsmen" without a bit of college if they have learned enough to handle the 3D modeling needs of the engineers. Student versions of AutoDesk Inventor are available and there are plenty of tutorials online. You can get really good spending an hour a day for a year. Student loan debt=0, interest to bankers also 0.

[–] • 2 pts

Yup, go for it.

I spent my summers in college learning to be an electrician and it has been a constant benefit having those years as a tradesman in my skill set. I would suggest you find a way to work in your trade of choice at least part time while progressing through the education program. The immersion of actually performing the work will increase the value of the education significantly. Being able to take learned skills to practice at work and conversely take real world problems back with you to the classroom is massively beneficial to your mastery of the skills.

[–] • 2 pts

Trades are always hiring: electrician, plumber, HVAC, etc. I went through the plumbers/pipefitters apprenticeship over a decade ago, never had to look for work since. Construction can be iffy but service work is always there and pretty consistent. A few guys who went through the apprenticeship turned out as welders, but unless you get a job for a utility company there’s a good chance you’ll be chasing power plant work and traveling if you are welding pipe. I can’t speak for the iron workers and having to travel to find work, but an iron worker buddy of mine works in town. He says he welds a lot of stairs. Sounds boring, welding pipe is way cooler.

My apprenticeship was 5 years, I worked full-time during the day and took classes twice a week in the evenings for 3 hours.

You can go the non-union route as well, but you will typically make less money on the non-union side. I have a love-hate relationship with unions: I love the extra money but hate the political bullshit and all the other baggage that comes with being in the union.

Best of luck to you, brother.

[–] • 1 pt

Correct.

Depending on your location, the trades are an extremely viable option. I supported a family on just my wage for the past 15 years, from day one apprentice through to today (although wife works now the kids are older). It’s good work, side work will always be available if you want it and the trades are screaming for guys.

On the union / non union debate it’s up to you. Personally, I was in a union at the start and it just didn’t work for me. The union was dogs shit and I felt like the union was more interested with what they could get out of my labor than what they could do for their members. I got out before the golden handcuffs of the union pension were thrown on me. Yes I make a little less per hour but I make more per annum because I don’t get laid off for 2 - 3 months every winter. Ultimately, It depends on your union and location.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

Not sure how accurate this is with all the Jab bullshit going on but the Boilermakers needed new blood so bad they were paying people to learn the trade pre-lockdown. (Yes paying students)

[–] • 3 pts

They used to call those 'apprenticeships', but companies for the past few decades advertise 'entry level' jobs, but want 2-5 yrs experience.

[–] • 1 pt

Learn cybersecurity. Good pay and interesting career.

[–] • 0 pt

I tried technical school for way longer than I should have. Dropped out with no degree and got a job building houses as a framing carpenter. Now I make $35/hr doing shit I love and have $0 in student loans.

[–] • 0 pt

You don't wanna be a welder you work very hard long hours and can't even enjoy a family unless you want very low pay and shop hours

[–] • 0 pt

I’m a motion graphics designer. I consider it a technical job not far off from carpentry or any other trade. Granted it’s all on the computer, but if you have artistic talent it can be very lucrative, you can work from home, be an independent contractor, and you can learn it all yourself. I did go to college for graphic design but when I started there were no programs for this field, granted it does lean very heavily into design. But also has elements of editing, photography/cinematography, and animation.

[–] • 0 pt (edited )

I didn’t go to a technical college, but I got a job as a Carpenter’s helper when I was right out of high school about 15 years ago. I watched closely and learned everything I could and was a lead carpenter in a couple years. I now have my own business. If you get a tool belt and basic carpenters Tools, you can get hired on as a Carpenter’s helper for $15 or $16 an hour with no experience. If you are motivated to get better you’ll be making 20 to 25 in a few years. Unfortunately, unless you start your own business, residential carpenters usually max out around $35 an hour. Subcontracting is really the way to go if you are willing to get your licensing. No matter what kind of sub contracting, whether it be widows, gutters, decks, fences, etc, you can easily make six figures