Advice on trade jobs?

[gulfcoastliberal]

Short bio:

Education: BA, History UCDavis 1999

Tired of worthless office jobs. Interested in getting into a trade such as plumber or apprentice utility lineman. Last would be a driving job such as trucking.

Anyone know which trade jobs have a good future in terms of demand? Obviously I'd start as an apprentice and work my way to journeyman. I don't have a problem with being ablue collar worker: plumbers and linemen make solid money once you put in the work - for linemen it's a 4 year process, don't know about plumbers. Anyhow, if anyone has experience in the trade world I'd really appreciate any information. Thanks!

[Crazy Dave]

1. Surveying and Mapping

I've been in the trade on and off for twenty years. I've left and tried other types of jobs for short periods but this is the one I feel I do best and make the most money at.
I started in the field as a rodman making $4 an hour, working outdoors in all the elements, but never too physical, to currently being the Senior CAD Tech in charge of eight people in the drafting department and making a salary in the mid 50k range.

It's not for everybody but demand in the southeast is very high. Compared to what I started out twenty years ago, somebody who is dependable and hard working can usually start unexperienced at $8 - $9 an hour.

[gulfcoastliberal]

3. Thanks Dave.

I'm going to check into the surveying/mapping biz. Tons of jobs out there! Thanks again. I'll try local first to see if I can try it before committing.

BTW, I just got hired to sell Toyotas. Never been in sales before; 50 hour week, but the headhunter said I could make 60K easy - but I'm sure he says that to everyone. However, I do have an encyclopedic knowledge of cars. Start training Wed. - se we'll see.

[Crazy Dave]

6. Hello again gulfcoastliberal

I recommend selling cars for a month or two if you can. I did it one time on one of my breaks away from surveying. I was too honest to make any "real money" as the pimps/sharks used to tell me but I learned a lot that has help me with car purchases for myself, family and friends. I got my mom a $16,000 plus mini pickup for right at $13,000 drive off.

I averaged about $800 a week in sales but it's long hours in a nasty environment (re: crooks). The good thing is that Toyotas literally sell themselves and you get lots of repeat customers.

Good luck :)

[FloridaPat]

2. Anything having to do with homes will always be needed.

Forget the utility lineman job - lots of overtime during bad weather and a very dangerous job.

Being a handyman is good. A friend of mine know how to build on rooms, do plumbing, electricity,etc. He works under the table for $100 a day.

[gulfcoastliberal]

4. Thanks FloridaPat

I've always been interested in plumbing. In fact, just the other day I went to the county employment agency and got leads for plumber helper jobs - unfortunately they both wanted 6 months experience. I even called the plumber I use for my condo work and asked if he would take me on as an apprentice for minimum wage - when he declined I even offered to do it for free. But the guy is a loner and turned me down. :(

But thanks again for your advice - handymen(people) are ALWAYS in great demand - I just need to get a good tool collection and get some training. As I mentioned above, my next endeavor is car sales (Toyota - the most popular car in the U.S.). Wish me luck. This'll be mu first time selling cars!

[FloridaPat]

5. Best of luck. I know 2 ex-car sales people. One was in the biz

for 20 years. Seems the internet has changed that biz around. But both did US cars.