re: Is there anything that I should know before trade school?

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So I am currently in high school, I really dislike school and cannot see myself going to college (and its really expensive too), so I think that trade school would probably be the best bet for me. To people who went, is there anything that I should probably know beforehand?

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Can only speak to the building trades.

Algebra. Ain't gotta be a wiz but gotta know how to solve for one variable.

HVAC is less physically demanding and offers better working conditions...also has better opportunities if you are interested in going into business for yourself. By far the best sidelining possibilities.

Electrical work is the second least demanding but requires a LOT of math. Course work is more demanding than others. Possibilities are nearly endless but pay is not as good as it should be considering the demand. Lots of technological changes in the industry has reduced pay...lot easier to do electrical work today, especially high end control work etc, than it ever has been. Also LOTS of sidelining possibilities and a good one to go into business for yourself.

Plumbing/Pipefitting/Sprinkler Fitting etc - All pretty physically demanding, not as demanding in the classroom, pay is excellent but outside of plumbing and being a UA Service Tech the sidelining is not on par with the others and going into business for yourself is not on par with the others. Pipefitter welders can make a pile of money sidelining though....

Millwright work is fascinating, doesn't pay much but most of them are about as close to mechanical geniuses as you can meet. Sheetmetal mechanics are probably the least skilled of the skilled trades. Masons are highly paid but the work is physically demanding. Carpenters can make some money doing high end finishing and making cabinets but most work is form and framing work wich pays nothing. Iron work pays well but it takes a special person to do...it is not demanding in the classroom at all though.

If you are considering a building trade go to the union hall. You will wind up making more money, having better benefits and better working conditions and you will not have to pay for the best education there is available for the trade of your choice. It is a 4-5 year commitment and for the first couple you may make slightly less than others in the same place in the trade but when you turn out wages wont be close...you will be making way more, have more benefits and better working conditions...namely you will be FAR Safer on the job...infinitely safer. That means something in an industry which is inherently dangerous....

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How exactly do unions work?

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there went the thread

Honestly, trade school is probably the best option. Do you have any interest in drafting and designing? If so you can make good money as a drafter/designer. Or something like Industrial Instrumentation.

Hell, plumbers do well. I assume they are still in high demand, but in college I worked for local government in building inspection and permits. Plumbing used to hold up pretty much every residential new construction.

Has things changed to become a plumber? Do they still have to get state certified? (I assume so), but at the time, if I remember correctly that played a big factor in the lack of plumbers.

You’re making the correct choice. Trade school will get you a great career if you work hard and treat customers right.

By trade school, do you mean technical college, an apprenticeship, or something else?

You should cache this thread.

In 10-15 years,

1.) revisit it
2.) whip out that dusty pencil your cousin's kid left in your duplex
3.) write the handles of these co-signers in your shite-list diary
4.) don't be late for your double shift

Does your school have a work or trades program?

It would be good to start working now, in HS.

I didn't see anybody mention. But car repair and maintenance is always an in demand position. I was doing recruiting for a group of autobody shops and those techs did real well. It's kind of specialized and requires certifications. But they can literally work anywhere.

Another is the glass technicians. Especially if they can recalibrate sensors. The good ones are easy 6 figure and shops fight over them..

My school does yes, but its already been far enough in the year where I feel like I shouldn't bother. In southern Louisiana high schools there is the jumpstart program. In my sophomore year currently.

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What exactly is the union hall, Is that just where you go to join a union? How exactly do unions work?

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The building trades unions are unlike most unions. They are more akin to a trade guild than what one thinks of as a labor union. Members pay dues, membership dues which are a set amount every month and due whether you are working or not, and working dues that are a % of your hourly rate. That is the downside to being in a trade union. The upside is the education is free...it will cost you nothing but your time and it is the best available education in the trade, and it is not close. When you turn out (finish school and your apprenticeship period, 5 years for a IBEW Electrician now) you will be earning about 125% of non-union electricians in hourly wages, your benefit package will be worth another 20-30% than the best packages offered in the non-union world (and your benefits are portable, they follow you no matter who you are working for, whereas you have to start all over again in the non-union world). The most beneficial part is you will be working in the safest environment possible in the industry. The jobs that union companies do are the safest construction sites in the US and it ain't close. That is a big consideration when its your life youre talking about.