Landmark Gives Back: Inspiring Students for a Future in the Trades
Over the last two years, I’ve taken the time to meet with local students at Milford High School who are taking classes in the trades and are considering a future career working with their hands. We’ve covered a variety of subjects, including practical advice on finding and interviewing for a job, how to be a good employee in any career that you choose, how to stay safe on a job site.
Knowledge is Power and a Key to Success
Think of knowledge like a tool belt. When you start out, you have this nice belt and you’ve got a hammer and a tape measure. You are pretty limited to what you can do, but you’ve got some tools. Now you’ve got a speed square. You might be able to build something now. Knowledge is power. Any analogy you want to use, the more you learn, the more you know. So keep seeking knowledge.
Make a new habit of going out on your own in the community for 10 minutes every day, looking to learn something new. Whether it’s related to carpentry or it’s similar to anything that would like to learn or improve in your life. You may start out as a carpenter’s apprentice or a laborer. You’re learning the trade, and then eventually, you want to become that home builder or the owner. You are building on your knowledge.
My Advice
Knowledge helps us in our future planning and steers us to the right path. After a few years in the business, you may decide that sales, or marketing, or even opening up your own business is your long-term goal. These are attainable if you’ve put in the time and energy into building your knowledge of the tools and techniques of the trade. Education is an essential tool to make positive changes in your life.
The one thing that no one can ever take from you once you have acquired it is knowledge. Take the time now and then to reevaluate, consider, and envision your future. You may not realize it, but your skills, education, and competency are valuable intellectual property. To guarantee that you will stand out from the crowd in your industry, make sure you invest in your development.
