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, and how gaining EXPERIENCE is the key to success.
Hands-On Experience is Your Key to Success
Students spend their days continuously learning new things and, in a trade class, some of that learning is actual practical experience such as working with the table saw or building small projects. Plus, in this digital age, we all spend a lot of time looking at YouTube and “learning” how to do things. (This sometimes leads to mishaps as do-it-yourselfers of all ages watch a video, suddenly think they are master electricians and get in over their head!)
The truth is that hands-on experience is really the best way to learn. It’s difficult in this day and age of instant gratification to understand that mastering any skill takes a lot of time, generally years. But as long as it’s leading to your long-term goals, experience is invaluable.
My Advice
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. All of these are attainable IF you’ve put in the time and energy into building your knowledge of the tools and techniques of the trade. After all, you can only effectively sell something that you’re very familiar with and know how to do yourself.
In fact, this is how my career evolved over the years. I started by laboring with construction crews, then, after I had a few years of experience, I was leading my own team and it grew into project management. From there my eye was on building my own business. Taking the time now and then to reevaluate, consider, and envision your future provides that path you need…and EXPERIENCE is what will ultimately lead you to your career goal.
