tmoore4748

Have you ever had an opportunity to interview for skilled trades, such as metalworking, craftsman carpenters, potters, mechanics of big machines, things like that; and if not, would you? There's huge opportunities for folks to get into fields like that with little to no formal education, great pay, and tons of folks have no idea.

I'm trained literally as all of those listed, and can't wait to get a chance to work as a machinist. Hadn't even known of the amazing opportunities five years ago. With an entire generation retiring, we need skilled labor badly. Getting the word out about the cool jobs, like blacksmithing, automotive painting, aircraft maintenance, welding, craftsman/artisan carpentry, etc. would be huge. Plus, a lot of it is really fun! I've been an aircraft mechanic for 20 years, and worked all over the world. Also got the chance to train as a metalworker, which is super fun. I'd love to hear about jobs like what Mike Rowe has done, but definitely cleaner!

For machinists I would second this, with three additions: This Old Tony, for his sheer comedic genius; Tom Lipton, a published machinist whose no nonsense problem solving is the best I've seen, plus, he's done tons of educational workshops; and Dale from Make Something Cool, also an accomplished educator.