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Happy earth
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last online: 11/26, 18:47
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Should I go to trade school?

I have a degree in civil engineering and I've worked as a land development engineer until I grew to detest the work. I'm a hippie tree hugger, so designing site development that cut down all the trees was very stressful to me. I did enjoy the problem solving and working with a team on projects.

I've been not working for pay for seven years.

I'm thinking I might have fun with auto repair. I used to do all the work on my first car and enjoyed it.

My kids are all in school in the daytime, or adult. We been living on one salary, so the income from the work isn't super important, unless we have to add in child care cost.

What are the pros and cons? Can a middle aged mom be successful as an auto mechanic?

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work, working, school, auto, development
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Lano
last online: <time class="timeago" datetime="1713410299" title="Apr 18, 2024 3:18">Apr 18, 2024 3:18</time>
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I think its hard to break into any business where you don't know anyone in the business. I am guessing your first job would be as a mechanic in a local shop or meineke or dealership. I have never seen a woman in those place (at least not as a mechanic) which makes me concerned about your ability to break in and how would be treated if you did. Also the schedule might not be ideal when your first starting out. Having less free time than you're used to when middle aged can feel punishing (does for me, recently got a 2nd job).

That said you'd be far from the first female mechanic and if it is something you think you genuinely be good at doing...why not if you can afford to experiment? You can always stop doing it at any point it starts to feel not worth it and its a great skill to have in any case.

Maybe try a local community college auto repair class to dip your toe in the water?

Happy earth
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smiley
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Auto repair, small engine repair, metal working/welding, 3D printing, robotics. I want to do all the things, but it ultimately goes back to a childhood desire to be a mad scientist and inventor.

But these are things that must be learned hands on, not from a book.

And even though I'm not broke anymore, I'm also not rich. I'll never be rich.

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Lano
last online: <time class="timeago" datetime="1713410299" title="Apr 18, 2024 3:18">Apr 18, 2024 3:18</time>
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smiley wrote:
Auto repair, small engine repair, metal working/welding, 3D printing, robotics. I want to do all the things, but it ultimately goes back to a childhood desire to be a mad scientist and inventor.

But these are things that must be learned hands on, not from a book.

And even though I'm not broke anymore, I'm also not rich. I'll never be rich.

I would just say don't sell short the community college auto repair class. If it really is just textbook reading and quizes, i agree with you (trade school will have that element too) but i would hope they also have a garage and allow you to actually work on cars...probably depends on the school, it's facilities, and even the teacher. You can always sit in on the first class for free and at a community college they often have rolling enrollment...and you just have to sign up and pay the cost and there's no deadline or big formal application.

As far as cost, it may cost as little as a few hundred bucks for a single course...depending on where you live.

Speaking of books, i recently got a part time job at a library and i was shocked at how many books they have on welding, soldering, car manuals, etc. Books aren't great for hands on knowledge but they are a cheap way to explore as subject if you can't immediately start learning on the job.

Happy earth
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I looked at the cost of community college. A whole degree might be more than I can afford right now, but a class or two is feasible. But first I'll check what my local library has. That's a brilliant idea, and I love wandering through the library.

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Padre_J_Roulston
last online: <time class="timeago" datetime="1713403684" title="Apr 18, 2024 1:28">Apr 18, 2024 1:28</time>
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My advice in general on the topic is that age doesn't matter as much as the trade you want to go into. Generally, the trades are a good choice simply because there will always be work in the trades. Whether mechanic is the best choice to go into or not, I can't say.

I do know that gas fitters are one of the best paid of the trades... and that electricians have some of the 'easiest' work comparable to other trades. But at the same time, you need to do something that you enjoy as well.

When it comes to the trades most of the courses you are going to take are pre-aprentice courses. So, find out what the tradespeople in the area want. Someone may prefer to take you on as an apprentice without having to take a course beforehand. Or they may want you to take this course, but not that one.

Happy earth
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I thought of it because I bought a 96 Toyota station wagon. It's nearly impossible to find replacement parts because the car is so uncommon anymore. If I could build replacement parts myself, this could be the last car I ever have to own.

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Padre_J_Roulston
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If you want to make the parts then you would need to be a machinist. But manufacturing is quite a bit more complex, than attaching/removing parts.

Happy earth
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Padre_J_Roulston wrote:
If you want to make the parts then you would need to be a machinist. But manufacturing is quite a bit more complex, than attaching/removing parts.

Well that's why I thought of it, but it's a long-term "more idea than plan". I'm just tired of doing what I have been and looking for a new challenge. I want to ultimately be able to build my own machines for automation, but I've got to use it where I can along the way.

I tried to fill the online application for community college and it told me my name was wrong. I called for help and their records specialist is out of town for a week, so I guess it's on hold for now.

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Padre_J_Roulston
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Give it time. I can appreciate wanting a change. I myself am looking for a new job.

Perhaps even before applying to the college, go in and talk to the career counsellors. They may be able to direct you better to what you ultimately want to do.

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Lano
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There might also be cheaper, non college ways to take classes on that kinda stuff.

Happy earth
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I have an interview today at an auto parts store. I have very little retail experience and even less auto experience, but we'll see how it goes.

But here's another idea: teaching. I could apply to be an assistant teacher, and if I like it I can pursue certification to be a licensed teacher.

I kind of want to do both teaching and auto repair.

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