Skill Trade occupations

Hi IDO members,

I’ve only been a forum member for about a year and have enjoyed reading lots of information on here. I’m sure this topic has been brought up before but I just wanted some more information regarding skill trade occupations. I am currently working in an office doing non-clinical work for a hospital. I’ve been thinking and feeling like I’m not in the right career. I love working on cars, being a handyman at home, use tools, destroy and build things, and anything really with my hands.

Will it be hard to get into a trade with no experience? Pipefitting, electrician, hvac, carpenter etc.
Is school necessary for obtaining these kind of jobs?
Is there room to grow in these trade jobs?
Are most of these jobs union?
Is the pay usually salary or hourly?

I would appreciate any details you may have experience in. I like my current job but I think my skillset could be better used else where. I am 34 and a family man so I don’t know if the hours for these jobs will balance with my family time.

Thanks,
Dan

canoebasser wrote:

Hi IDO members,

Will it be hard to get into a trade with no experience? Pipefitting, electrician, hvac, carpenter etc.
not hard to get in. however, you need prove yourself as a person who works smart and efficient and is quick to learn. There is also the union route to go as well. Recently I’ve seen a lot of locals advertising for new apprentices.
Is school necessary for obtaining these kind of jobs?
“school” is a pretty lame term. If your not in a position to continually learn every day, there is a problem. So, I.ve been a student of the school of hard knocks – lol. There is a lot of training involved to get to the higher end of the pay scqales. I know a lot of tradesmen that make a crap load more than college grads. You may not get into a school setting, but be prepared for various training classes.
Is there room to grow in these trade jobs?
I started as a carpenter and have grown into my own GC company. Growth is up to you, not your employer. If you don’t give them a way to make more money frpm what you do or what you know, your at a dead end. Grab the bull by the balls and you make it happen. Learn and apply all you can and create your own growth.
Are most of these jobs union?
Many are union, especially with commercial construction. There are great companies out there and some really crappy ones that are both in union and non-union. Do your research to the pros and cons and see which direction is best for you. Unions wouldn’t work for me because the way I had crossed over into management too much. For others, Unions are a great way to pursue their career.
Is the pay usually salary or hourly?
Hourly
You usually don’t see many salaried jobs at the trade level until you take a management position

I am 34 and a family man so I don’t know if the hours for these jobs will balance with my family time.

you kind of lost me with this. Average work year is minimal 2100 to upwards of 3500 plus your drive time. So if your working full time now, whats the difference? It is common in construction to have a roller coaster with “weekly hours” you may work 40 hours one week, 50 hours the next 8 weeks and get a few weeks laid off in winter if things slow down. But still at the end of the year, you’ll work the same

Thanks,
Dan

Where are you located? A lot of times that will determine if union or non-union, bigger cities are usually more union and smaller or remote can easily be either. I have been a plumber for 30 years now, 22 years union in the field and now as an inspector to save my knees and back. In some areas you get hired through the union hall and others you find a contractor that will hire you and then go to the hall. Non union, you will just find somebody to hire you and go to work, depending on what trade and licenses required. This is the time to get in the trades if you are going to, construction has been steady and in Eau Claire there’s no sign of slowing down yet. Contractors cannot find enough help!

ok, disclaimer. i am biased as a union rep. i belong to the boilermakers union. our union is split between field construction and shops. are basic skill is welding. i represent the shops, where you work in the same building with the same people every day. field construction, you could be in red wing one day, bismarck north dakota 2 days later.

most unions have an apprenticeship program that train you the tricks of the trade, you go do classroom shop school and work out in the field.

mostly Randy hit it on the head!!!!

I’ve been in the laborers union 12 years. First 4 were concrete free ways and now I cut concrete and do structural demo. I can work between 40 and 90 hours a week. If I want over time I just say so.
Luckily for me I haven’t been laid off in 8 years. But hard work and dedication go a long way. I’m a family man as well. That’s why I keep working. And have to work like I do. My pay has been very well since I began running my own rig and run my own jobs. For other laborers I know. Some are lazy and work the minimum and do the minimum. They get laid off first.
Almost any union will have a apprentice program and some form of schooling. They all differ and very.
Get out and apply as a apprentice. Some one will pick you up, just work your a$$ off.

The thing about the trades is, if you can pick it up you will succeed, if you work hard you will succeed.

IMHO, there has never been a better time nor has there been more opportunities to join in and become one of us.

If you would like to chat about it, pm me.

I think the only reason to switch careers is for a pay increase. Nobody truly loves there job, if you wake up in the morning and say “oh yeah! Can’t wait for work today!” You have mental problems. Im a union welder and have been for 15 years I’m 34, I worry about myself in my late forties and fifties. Old timers at my job look pretty rough physically. I say save your health and keep the desk job if it pays the bills and gives you and your family fun money when you aren’t at work.

that was what I was going to mention too was the physical nature of the job. If its your passion I think you should go for it but you should really think about the toll on your body. I have some buddys in construction and many of them are nearing 40 and they are planning for what to do when their back gives out or when they get injured.

Well now, what a bunch of school girls. Hard work never killed anyone. Iv’e been in the trades since 1987. Roofing and framing quite a few of those years also ceramic tile.
I’m in my late 50’s and can still put a whole lotta whoop ass on the younger folk when it comes to work. Iv’e had some bumps, bruises, and lacerations but nothing to keep me down.
I’ll never except that the work is too hard on you. Never!

I would look towards a Maintenance position. I work for a school district in a maintenance position. We do about everything. Our bread and butter is boilers. Most will give you 4 years to get a first class license. My hours are 7-3:30 some weekend work and lots of snow removal. The benefits are great and pay is good to.

My only advise is at 34 years old get into whatever you want to do. 20 years on the job puts you into your mid 50’s. Tic toc.

Good for you, EPG. No need to humble brag. To each their own.

OP, trades are a good route. Many companies will pay for your education and give you time for classroom learning, all while still working in the field. Like mentioned, it can be pretty tough work depending on what exactly you’re doing. It may just be worth a try. How did you get started in office work? Schooling prior?

Good luck.

Couple of thoughts. Retirement is getting to be later and more difficult to attain for the younger guys here. You might have to work til you’re 70 or later, who knows? A body can only do that kind of work so long, so I’d be working on a transition plan. You might not be able to go straight tradesman > retired.

The other side of this coin is that office jobs can be brutal in a totally different sense. Broken bones and bruises are rare, but I don’t believe the human body is well suited to sitting in a cubicle under flourescent lights crouched over a keyboard, staring at spreadsheets on a stupid screen all day. It can drain your spirit just like hard labor drains your body.

The trades with the best wages and long term security require a license. I would look into hvac and plumbing. If you can get experience working with boilers even better.
I am self employed working on residential construction. You can do ok with reasonable hours close to home if you find the right place. This is one of the better times ever to be able to get in as an apprentice.

I don’t know where you’re located, but around MN there is always work for marine mechanics. That’s what I went back to school for about 8 years ago. I worked my but off in school, got a job at a good marina before I even graduated, and within 2 years I was working tech service(helping mechanics) at a engine manufacturer. After 3 years I was promoted to a dream job working for engineering at the same company in the industry I love! Not saying every mechanic’s career will go the same route mine did, but working hard and taking initiative goes a long way where ever you end up.

As far as becoming a mechanic I think it normally requires some school before getting started. Most people aren’t able to just jump in and start troubleshooting the more advanced computerized engines being produced these days. There is also tons of side work in the land of 10,000 lakes if you’re looking for some extra cash!

Eelpoutguy wrote:

Well now, what a bunch of school girls. Hard work never killed anyone. Iv’e been in the trades since 1987. Roofing and framing quite a few of those years also ceramic tile.
I’m in my late 50’s and can still put a whole lotta whoop ass on the younger folk when it comes to work. Iv’e had some bumps, bruises, and lacerations but nothing to keep me down.
I’ll never except that the work is too hard on you. Never!

I’d buy you a beer if you were around epg. Hard work is good for a person.
There is proper ways and improper ways to do the job. If you work for a hack company who looks at you as a tool, then you’ll always just be a number. If your a hard working individual willing to learn and try, then you will succeed.
I hire and get rid of guys alot. You want to learn and help then I will work you. If you want to play on Facebook and your phone all day, then your gone. Some days are tougher then others. But companies now days have the right tools for the right jobs. Work 10 15 20 years ago was much harder then it is now.
Maybe it was because I was raised by a laborer who poured lots of concrete on the side and did tons of side work. He never hired any one to help. It was always me since a young kid I was pouring concrete and doing roofs and what ever In between.
Plumbing and pipe fitting is great work. But dont look past a union laborer job. We have a outstanding benefit package and I can retire at 55. But I’ve been in since I turned 18.

Im in the trades and the only thing I can say is, stay away from the floorcovering trade!! Other than that- trades are great!!

Go for it. Hard to beat union wages and benefits. I believe this is the time of year the plumbers local takes apprenticeship applications. Think the journeyman wage package is in the $80 an hour range right now. 2000 working hrs a year. I didnt go to college but with my limited math skills that worth over 150k a year. Now if you show up all the time and apply yourself good chance you will make more.

As far as the work being hard on a body look around any desk job and see the picture of health those folks are in. Take care of your body and it will take care of you. For you other worn out construction workers Vagisil should work wonders for you.

When I left the union retirement was below age 60 if I remember right. Also seem to remember some of the older guys talking about a raise in income with retirement.

34 is by no means to old to jump into a trade career. The days of guys getting in right out of high school are long gone. Would believe average now is late 20s to mid 30s. I seen guys well into there 40s starting apprenticeship.

I have had a journeyman card as a toolmaker via state of Wisconsin for 25 years. This particular trade has very little union protection so your retirement is your responsibility unless you find a company funded retirement plan – good luck. That’s a big deal in todays job market. Electrical, plumbing, hvac trades all seem to be part of larger trade unions that while you pay your dues you also get a retirement. While money is good in all trades I’d look at ones with strong union protection if you want easier retirement funds. The goverment sociol security plan is broken and will be upside down sooner than later as the population ages in this country.

Pick the trade that interests you the most. Then find the area that you live and call the union office in the area. They will let you know how to get in. Some trades are easy and some are not. Good luck!

Mike W wrote:

For you other worn out construction workers Vagisil should work wonders for you.

That’s pretty judgemental. I have a deep respect for all my blue collar brothers and would never say such a thing bc 16 yrs doing floorwork I can show you xrays of degenerative lower back discs, knee cartilage that’s rotting away and carpal tunnel that really pisses a guy off holding a fishing rod in cold weather. Fact is some bodies can handle years of hard work and others can’t.

Can’t tell the OP how to tell what his is, wish I could. Personally I’m not a stranger to a weight room, or running shoes or workout programs(wife really enjoyed my P90x and insanity days) and my body still hurts at the age of 35. Repetitive movement sucks, and you frankly get that with some trades, and trades I dare say less skilled than others.

Take care to which you choose, and if you do go the route of less skilled trades it doesn’t mean you can’t make a boatload of money, pun intended.

Mike W wrote:

Go for it. Hard to beat union wages and benefits. I believe this is the time of year the plumbers local takes apprenticeship applications.

Well…? Come on Mike, you know that deal. Nobody, I mean nobody walks in and lands an apprenticeship with plumbers union without knowing someone. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

That being stated, my son-in-law went to college but never graduated and knocked around a few years driving a shuttle for the Sheraton.

Finally realized he was going nowhere there and out of the blue proclaimed he wanted to be a plumber. Enrolled at HTC and took the plumbing “kindergarten”. Applied for the union apprenticeship and was not close. Was outside the circle?

Worked out good for him otherwise, was hired right away by a good, reputable plumbing company and is making a good living already as an apprentice. Just 3 more years to journeyman.

One thing there will never be shortage of work is plumbing. And there will always be high demand for plumbers.

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The who you know mindset isn’t true all the time: I was told the same thing when I applied for my apprenticeship in Milwaukee in “98” and I placed 9th on the list which came out on April 1st and was indentured on the 9th without even knowing a plumber. I did go to Milwaukee Tech and Trade High School though and did take plumbing for my course. I have sat home for one day in 22 years without pay when times were slow. But as others have said, if you apply yourself and strive for improvement you will succeed. I was a plumbing foreman for most of the time I was in the field and that will add about 10% to the hourly wage.

AUTO_5 wrote:

Good for you, EPG. No need to humble brag. To each their own.

OP, trades are a good route. Many companies will pay for your education and give you time for classroom learning, all while still working in the field. Like mentioned, it can be pretty tough work depending on what exactly you’re doing. It may just be worth a try. How did you get started in office work? Schooling prior?

Good luck.

Our country was made great by guys bustin there ass! Most kids nowadays don’t want to work hard. That’s a fact and I don’t understand it.
We NEED balls bustin he Men that can work hard and aren’t afraid of getting a hangnail.
Nothing better than putting in a 12 hour workday in 100 degree weather taking a shower and slammin a few cold ones, thinking to yourself – Man I kicked some butt today.
If you can’t say that, then your missin out.

Thank you for the replies everyone. I am from St. Paul, MN btw.

Pertaining to the physical work, I thought going into an office job would save my health and back, but honestly after getting off work each day, my body just doesn’t want to do anything. My back actually hurts more now than before and my joints just seem stiffer. The computer screen does drain you and so does the kids haha.

I guess I’ll do more research on what would interest me. I can say that I’m a smart and hard worker and could utilize more of my skills in a trade than in a cubicle.

The biggest thing I miss the most now being in an office job and not “on the job” is when I leave work and have nothing physical to show for it versus leaving a newly constructed building and seeing it completed. It’s a satisfying feeling turning the completed building over to the owners.

Great time to get in. In general, the licensed trades (electrical and mechanical) have application windows and hiring halls, so they’re tougher to get in. The non-licensed trades (carpenters, laborers, painters, etc.) require you to find a contractor to hire you. The basic trades might take an application but what you really need to do is ask for a list of signatory contractors and call them yourself. All the trades have training centers in the metro. You could literally walk in to any of them, ask for information, pick the one you like best, and depending on the trade have a job within a few weeks. Go to https://constructioncareers.org/careers/ and if you click on any trade you will get the address of the training center(s). A little initiative can go a long way toward getting in with the trades.

“As far as the work being hard on a body look around any desk job and see the picture of health those folks are in. Take care of your body and it will take care of you. For you other worn out construction workers Vagisil should work wonders for you.”
-Mike Westman

There ya go folks, straight from the mouth of the owner of Hometown Plumbing!

What a plain ignorant thing to say. I’ve always liked ya and have followed your reports and posts, but some things you say really make me lose respect.

EPG- you also always seemed like a pretty cool, respectable guy to me. But when you make assumptions about someone you don’t know, like you did, there’s a good chance you’ll be way off and preaching to the choir, which you were. I do appreciate your optimism and sense of humor on this site though, And I’m sure we’d get along fine in person!

Oh, and legalize weed…

There ya go folks, straight from the mouth of the owner of Hometown Plumbing!

What a plain ignorant thing to say. I’ve always liked ya and have followed your reports and posts, but some things you say really make me lose respect.
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Dont go and try to throw some guys business under the buss because he said shape up.