If I want to abandon the office culture and work in a trade how would I get started?

[thatfeel]

I am not sure what all qualifies as a trade but in my mind I am thinking of: electrician, welder, HVAC, contracting, etc. If there are more please let me know.

I have a B.S. in IT (from an actual uni not a private trade school) but honestly I'm fvcking sick of it. The office life, the cubicle life, management, if I'm being honest it makes me want to hang myself sometimes.

I'm in SE Texas so we have a good amount of community colleges in the area that also specialize in PTEC programs (process tech aka working at the plants). Honestly I've thought about doing it but not sure what future there is for that industry in the US given our trend towards cleaner energy.

So, any advice you guys have for me on how I could break into a trade?

I am 27 and don't have any contacts or know anyone in these fields so I'd need advice that's reflective of that.

 

[Bible_Belt]

Welding is a dirty, dangerous job that will shorten your life span.

The more common trades in my area are controlled by the unions, and for whatever you are interested that involves unions, talk to some of the union workers. They do ok hourly as far as wage goes, but electrician friends of mine are having to drive up to two hours to find work.

My advice would be to try and build upon your bachelor's, instead of starting all over. I'm sure there are plenty of IT uses in tech jobs. Look into alternative energy jobs if you believe that is the future. Computers and automation are going to run everything at some point, regardless of the industry.

 

[Billtx49]

Electrical and hvac usually require some certification unless you can find someone to take you on as a helper or apprentice while you get that. Welding in a general small to medium sized non certified shop is OJT, but plan to start as a floor sweeper until they see the level of your work commitment…
That field also requires certification to advance into a higher wage category though.

 

[ubercat]

Because of the gas and radiation I'd really advise not to go into welding. Another option is a night course in scientific instruments instruments. There's plenty of Labs in private research and it hospitals and somebody has to install calibrate and fix the instruments.

 

[Spaz]

27 is plenty young.

Try carpentry - specialising in house renovation.

You can do it part time 1st, see if it suits you then consider quitting your current job.

Don't quit your current job until you have tested the life of a tradesman.

If you decide to take up a trade craftsmanship it should be with the ultimate aim of being a business owner.

Then it would be both satisfying and rewarding.

 

[wifehunter]

Maybe start your own business?

What are you good at?