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Hello and thank you for taking the time to read my message,
I’m at a bit of a crossroads in my life. I’ve been working in the service industry since I graduated from high school about six years ago. I worked at Disneyland for 3 years, and at a local Japanese restaurant since. I was asked to take a managerial position nearly half a year ago, but with recent cutbacks, my salary has seriously been cut. Following this course of events, I’ve decided to look for a new job, and would like to pursue something in which I can create. Though I lack professional experience, I share a passion for wood with all of you. To the dismay of some of my friends, I constantly talk about wood. I even pick up scrap wood on the side of the road occasionally. I’ve worked with wood as a hobby, making small drums from either small logs, or mitering together some 8/4 ash boards. I can identify wood on sight, and sometimes by smell. I love working with my hands, and receive great satisfaction in creating something useful with them. It seems to me that the logical course of action would be for me to go into woodworking of some sort.
I was hoping that the assemblage here could give me some background on some of the various paths I can take. I’m young and inexperienced, so I’m looking at a low entry point. It would be great to make something close to the amount I’m making now (which is about $2400/month including tips), but possibilities of advancement are more important to me. I’ve been thinking about carpentry, furniture making, and possibly architectural turning. If you could share some of your thoughts and advice with me, I would greatly appreciate it. Since I live in Los Angeles, it would be especially helpful if someone in the area, or on the West Coast, could give me an idea of what the job market is like. Thanks again for your time and patience.
Sincerely,
Charles Kellogg
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Charles,
My advice to you, If you want to learn go to Orange Coast College, check out their Construction Technology Program. They teach all sorts of classes including, Wood Framing, Metal Framing, a dedicated Roof Framing, electrical,plumbing, furniture making , cabinet making, I know guys who i took some of the classes with are now working at various construction companies full time. The classes give you entry level education kind of pre-apprenticeship and have alot of info, a lot of guys in the field take classes there because they really get into code requirements. The have certs as well as degree programs. It will give you a begining and a taste of the various types of work with in the various trades. I read a story about a guy in woodworker west who is doing quite well after taking some woodworking classes at fullerton jc. they have a pretty good wood program there. I hope I helped you. For more info you could go to the college and talk with the instructors. They all been in the field alot of years. At fullerton for example the furniture making instructor has his own cabinet shop that he runs during the day and teaches at nite.IMO
*Thanks for your reply. You gave me a lot to think about. Unfortunately, It'd difficult for me to find the time to go to school. I'm looking to just jump into a job where I can just build stuff. Maybe construction is the way to go. I just wonder what the ups and downs are, and what the pay is like. If I didn't need to worry about bills, or if I lived with my parents, your options would probably be my first step, but now, it looks like I'll need to save up for a couple years before I can go that route. Thank you so much for the advice though. Charles
*Well you could always find someone through aquaintences who is looking for help maybe start pt and work your way in. I know a couple of guys who started that way as well. i also know guys who tell me they cant find good help. someone who wants to work and learn and is dependable. just ask around
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