There is a satisfaction in learning a skilled trade. Satisfaction in knowing you can work on your own house instead of hiring someone. Satisfaction in knowing that you can take that skill anywhere in the world. Being part of The Union Building trades will give you satisfaction in knowing that you will live a comfortable life.

For me, learning to work with my hands gave me confidence and satisfaction I couldn’t find sitting at a desk. Joining an apprenticeship isn’t for everyone but I found that it worked for me. Before joining, you must realize learning a trade is much like learning a sport or to play an instrument. You will suck at first but don’t be discouraged. Like anything else, you must learn the fundamentals and build from there. You will receive a structured education as well as hands on training. The more you keep your hands in the work during those early years, the better you will be later. When I was going through the apprenticeship, I must have learned fifty different ways to do the same task. I wasn’t a mechanic when I first joined and every journeyman I worked for taught me something new. In my opinion, everyone you work with has something to offer. Learn something new on every job and take that knowledge with you to the next.

Ask plenty of questions. You may feel stupid at first but remember none of us were born knowing. Most everyone in the trade will understand and at most we will tease you with a lighthearted joke. If you take everything so seriously, it will be hard to see the guys teasing you the most, like you the best. It took a while for my skin to thicken up, and I shied away from asking questions at first. Fortunately for me, I had some good journeymen that got me out of my shell.

Do not concern yourself with the mistakes you made but how quickly you bounce back from them. Even the old timers mess up from time to time. The ability to quickly change course and correct the problem will take you a long way.

The following is a list of advice you’ll learn in the building trades:

When in doubt, stub it out. Measure twice, cut once. Do something! even if it’s wrong. Send it! Don’t forget the direct burial tape. That ladder is yours until someone says different. Work as much overtime as you can but take off what you can afford…. Don’t mess with your Journeyman’s tools. Don’t piss into the wind. Don’t mark up the portalet walls and don’t mess around with Jim.

I’ll see you on the next one