Graduated trade school 25 years ago today

[brain55]

I graduated from Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix, AZ from their Auto/Diesel program. It seems like a lifetime ago and like yesterday at the same time. I left there a punk ***** kid that barely knew anything other that what a book can teach you in 11 months. And now consider myself to be a highly competent equipment mechanic. I was fortunate to has some great employers/teachers along the way.

Brian

 

[MossRoad]

Congratulations!

I was fortunate to get into a dual degree program at our local technical college after I was disillusioned by the English Department chair while seeking a 4 year degree at our state college.

If you signed up for the dual degree program you spent the 1st year in basic electronics (which overlapped their two electronics degrees), spent the 2nd year in electronic communications degree program (TV and radio repair) and the 3rd year in industrial electronics degree program. So, 3 years, two associate degree and no debt because I worked three jobs while going to school and paid as I went.

It was a great choice that I do not regret. I sent out two resume's and got hired at the 2nd place.... where I've been for the last 23 years! :thumbsup:

 

[timswi]

You're right Brian..I'm a graduate of a vocational school (auto mechanics) in addition to a 4 year degree in Economics. I think the vocational school had more lifetime value personally...The instructor made me a sorta assistant teacher while I was there. Having the confidence of the instructor was priceless.

I'm a huge advocate of trade school. In fact, I'd like to do more to promote them. I really think that today's kids should be looking more to the trades than computers, we're running out of skilled craftsmen out here. Most people can't even sweat a water line anymore.

Sounds like we're the same age!!

 

[hawkeye08]

I graduated from Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix, AZ from their Auto/Diesel program. It seems like a lifetime ago and like yesterday at the same time. I left there a punk ***** kid that barely knew anything other that what a book can teach you in 11 months. And now consider myself to be a highly competent equipment mechanic. I was fortunate to has some great employers/teachers along the way.

Brian

I was a service writer/manager at Sears Automotive in Phoenix back in 1979-1981 and we hired several part timers for the shop, they worked hard and wanted to be there (paying school bills and working in auto shop). I had very few problems with them and they were always willing to come in on short notice.

Congrats on 25 years.

 

[bdeboer]

Congratulations,

I remember working as electricians apprentice one summer while I college around 1987 and the journeyman I was helping telling me it would take 20 years to really know the trade.

I found that hard to believe then, and now understand.

 

[sweettractors]

Congratulation to you. I finished my 4 year on the job Machinist Apprenticeship 40 years ago this year. Ken Sweet

 

[300UGUY]

Congratulation to you. I finished my 4 year on the job Machinist Apprenticeship 40 years ago this year. Ken Sweet

Pretty rare now. My old company graduated the last toolmaker apprentice in 1986. Apprenticeships are pretty rare now. Few companies want to invest in employees.