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CAREER ADVISE NEEDED!!!
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moldman66
Enthusiast
| Posts: 544
| Joined: 05/08
Posted: 03/09/09
08:30 PM
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Due to my recent work layoff I have qualified for re-training through the "TRADE RE-ADJUSTMENT ACT" offered by the good old USA! Basically it's a 2 year free ride to college. It's up to 2 years, but basically I can suppliment my existing Mold Maker Journeyman training (3 years of trade school) -or- I can go down a whole new road!
These 2 suppliment what I already do:
CAD/Mechanical Engineering Technology (2 years)
Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication (2 years)
These 2 are new possibilities:
Automotive Technology (2 years)
Automotive Collision Repair (1 year)
Understand I am 42 years old and hope that this is my final career change. I have been doing what I do now for over 18 years but there have been a lot of changes during that time in the manufacturing industry in America...thanks to NAFTA. I really do not wish to invest any more of my time into a sinking ship. I would probably end up in an engineering department doing design or programming (which I already know and like) but I'd still have a hard time finding work.
With the current economy automotive repair is on the rise. Gotta keep what you got running! I have been working on cars since I was a kid. Plus I hope to someday apply all of my knowledge into a dream job in a race car fab shop. High hopes but you never know! Did I mention the $2000 tool allowance??? $.50 per mile travel expenses as well. It's a sweet deal!
I'd like to hear from anybody willing to offer their advise. This is a big choice.
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STMIKE
Enthusiast
| Posts: 489
| Joined: 11/06
Posted: 03/10/09
08:12 AM
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working in a race car fab shop would be cool. its a tough industry to get into though, and the pay isn't great unless you're someone like Alan Johnson, tuning a top fuel dragster or funny car.
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moldman66
Enthusiast
| Posts: 544
| Joined: 05/08
Posted: 03/11/09
06:49 AM
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There are a lot of custom shops that are part of the truck scene.....any thoughts from a shop owner or employee???
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5569
Administrator
| Posts: 2276
| Joined: 08/06
Posted: 03/11/09
12:35 PM
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going down a whole new road might be fun and add some adventure to it...have any new thoughts on this?
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moldman66
Enthusiast
| Posts: 544
| Joined: 05/08
Posted: 03/16/09
06:42 PM
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I have made a decision: Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication
Checked it out at one of the local colleges and it is a new program that is very cool. They have a waterjet in the shop...sure can make lots of stuff with that! It's a logical transition from the machinist/mold maker career I have had for the last 18 years.
Lots of CNC, welding, custom fabrication...everything I wanted and more. I cannot wait to start classes.
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5569
Administrator
| Posts: 2276
| Joined: 08/06
Posted: 03/18/09
04:31 PM
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great, sounds awesome! So when do classes start?
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moldman66
Enthusiast
| Posts: 544
| Joined: 05/08
Posted: 03/18/09
08:10 PM
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If I can get some of the electives started for the summer session it will be mid May.
Just got a part-time job to make up what unemployment doesn't cover. It's where my wife works, they need extra warehouse/assembly help and want to help us out. See, that is what the world needs right now, compassion for our fellow man! That is how it is here in Iowa. I give this state a hard time but I would never have seen help like this back in Chicago.
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5569
Administrator
| Posts: 2276
| Joined: 08/06
Posted: 03/20/09
11:30 AM
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awesome! That's good news!! That means you can go on dates with your wife for lunch.
That would be cool to get going in May!!
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moldman66
Enthusiast
| Posts: 544
| Joined: 05/08
Posted: 03/20/09
04:38 PM
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word
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5569
Administrator
| Posts: 2276
| Joined: 08/06
Posted: 03/23/09
12:13 PM
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w3rd!
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moldman66
Enthusiast
| Posts: 544
| Joined: 05/08
Posted: 03/23/09
01:48 PM
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hahaha...
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moldman66
Enthusiast
| Posts: 544
| Joined: 05/08
Posted: 03/26/09
10:06 AM
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Just had a BIG change of plans!!! Just got the job offer of my dreams 1 hour ago...and I accepted!!!
It's a killer position with a medical company doing custom machining and mold design/redesign/programming. It's sssoooooo awesome! It makes this whole "relocate to Iowa for a job that lays me off thing" totally worth it.
I start Monday 3/30...I am SO PUMPED!!!
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5569
Administrator
| Posts: 2276
| Joined: 08/06
Posted: 03/26/09
02:09 PM
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whoa!! so how did this job offer come about?! This is great news!! I'm stoked for you!!
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moldman66
Enthusiast
| Posts: 544
| Joined: 05/08
Posted: 03/26/09
06:00 PM
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Thank you! I've been interviewing with this company in-person and over the phone for the last 5 weeks. I went in yesterday for a group interview and nailed it. Before I left I was informed that there are no other candidates and it's mine...but it is a new position created for me. That is still so cool to me. They were not sure how fast it would be executed...then at noon today I got the call.
I honestly did not know if it was really going to happen. My wife sent off my resume for a machine operator position they had available. When they saw my qualifications it got them thinking about what turned into my position.
I am still going to further my education, add to my existing experience.
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5569
Administrator
| Posts: 2276
| Joined: 08/06
Posted: 03/30/09
11:08 AM
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soo....how was your first day today?
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