Hi all-
I have been reading this forum daily and learning so much, thanks to you all.
I am a 28 year old Draftsman/Designer and looking to get out of the office and do what I love to do…build. I am married with no kids, so I can take a pay cut for a while. I want to advance, not only for the money, but just to learn it all. I have worked evenings and weekends with a local builder and have learned alot. I also am taking a class at the local college, which is teaching me stuff, but it is kindof slow. I want to get into this full time after the upcoming holidays. I am a motivated learner and think I can learn some of the stuff on my own (with the help of this forum, the internet and the modern carpentry book).
I followed the carpentry career thread and know there is two views of the “schooling versus on the job training” debate. I guess I am kind of impatient with the schooling route. I want to learn it faster than schooling, but more well rounded than on the job training might teach me.
So I found this: http://www.ilxct.com/index.html
Have any of you heard of it or tried it? The price is less than even the first semester of the carpentry classes.
Any other advice for an eager wannabe?
Thanks Andy
p.s. I do have a degree in drafting and design, which I know will be valuable if only for the math and physics classes.
Replies
Andy, with your experience in drafting and design, I would go work for a residential crew for several months to gain the hands-on knowledge. Then try to get a job as a foreman on a commercial job, say building forms (for concrete). The latter job usually has good pay and your draftiing skills will come into play. (That is, assuming you can read plans as well as you can draw them.) And when you are selecting a crew, try to find one that has a crew leader willing to work with you in both your personal training and in employing your current skills; i.e., you could be a great helper for a framing crew leader on the days you're snapping lines for the walls. Another possible route is eventually becoming an inspector.
-The master of all hurricane straps and brick ties LOL
Welcome Andy,
I don't personally know about that particular program, tho' I think that I've seen it referenced somewhere before. Other than AIDB, most of the endorsements seem to come from home inspectors groups rather than builders groups like NAHB or NARI if that tells you anything. Not a put-down but just something I noticed.
Also do they have any accredited college semester hours for the course?
This is a good topic though. Most online learning seems to be for more clerical work - with some good reason.
I sympathize with your lack of patience, I was there once and sidestepped the college route to get my hands dirty. Now, I'm working to spend more time drafting and designing. Ironic ain't it? Wanna switch?
Excellence is its own reward!
"The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are." --Marcus Aurelius
Andy,
Welcome! I went thru a 4-yr apprenticeship prog. with on-the-job-training & schooling 15+ years ago. I am still learning everyday. Videos & books can be a great tool. Be careful of the guy "WHO KNOWS IT ALL"! with your attitude & determination, success will surely follow. Pick a reputable company, do not be a "hacker". Believe in yourself. Carpentry is a craft. Good Luck to you. Feel free t use my e-mail for further conversation, I will give you more advice if wanted.
[email protected]
"drive-'em straight"
(Scott)
Thanks for the great replies so far.
Piffin- I wouldn't wish this job on anyone, 10 years in this dark dungeon office with no windows would drive you crazy too.:-) The CAD knowledge is nice and will be useful.
Thanks Framer- I will email you
A help wanted ad was put in the local paper for carpenter, apprentice, and helper for a large, well known local company http://www.eastwoodcustomhomes.com
My long term goal is to go on my own and be a one or two man top quality building/remodeling company. I can see the advantage of working for the large company that offers health insurance, 401k, paid vacation and steady work, plus great tools and proven techniques, but I also want/need to learn about estimating, job costing and the rest of the business end. Will I learn as much as I would working for a smaller operation?
Is it harder or easier to advance in a large company than a smaller one? I want to help my employer, but I see this as training also. Now I am starting to feel selfish, I expect to be hauling lumber and cleaning up for a while. I don't want to give the impression that I want it all right now just because I have read it in a book or on the internet. I also understand if I ask too many questions, I will be annoying and slow down the job, so I am looking for the balance point
Thanks for the help!!
Andy
You might ask about training by the local, or not so local, carpenters union. I don't know too much about the carpenters union and even less about the locals in your area. From what I hear some are good at training while others are pretty miserable. Won't hurt to ask around but be sure to ask the union directly in addition to getting the lumberyard view that might steer you away from it.
Ask the questions at breatime, er , I mean at coffee time
Did you see the help wanted ad here in that section? for framers..
Excellence is its own reward!
"The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are." --Marcus Aurelius