I'm a plumber in MD and have been for 25 years now. I often hear people say things like, "why don't you go to college and get a real job?" or "you're too smart to be doing *just* plumbing". Often times, taking offense. It was when COVID hit and I saw so many people with college degrees and white collar jobs having to sit home and collect unemployment, or resort to other means to continue to provide. All the while, infrastructure jobs never rested. We kept our Country/world in order while others had to sit and wait. Blue collar work is the definition of capitalism (in my opinion). You are going to get out of it what you put into it. Not only can you make a very good salary, but the money you can save by fixing your own problems in lieu of paying another to do it is worth so much as well! College isn't for everyone. But hard work is. It's very rewarding to come home from a completed task, often times hailed as a hero to those who are in need of emergency plumbing or even putting my artistic touch on designing a mechanical room that makes me proud to stand back and say, "I did that"! I know many with college degrees who can't say and experience these feelings and I feel sorry for them. I'm not here to discriminate against anyone's job or educational status. I personally prefer my doctor's to be educated when they are diagnosing me, or someone who knows the laws if they were to ever have to represent me in court. But I do believe that hard work and due diligence is of equal value to a piece of paper stating I learned something. We need tradesmen as much as we need doctors, teachers, etc. We all have an equal value. We all have a job to do here. Mine just happens to be a "Dirty Job". But hey, "Somebody's Gotta Do it".
Diesel and Automotive mechanic of 23 years. Had to work every day during Covid. Major overtime. Used to get white collar people talk down to me all of the time. The tune sure changed later on. Everyone I meet who is white collar. They all brag about how much money I must save being able to fix my own cars and house etc. They bitch about how expensive auto repair is. I made a killing during Covid working on side jobs. I live in the burbs and most people think I am white collar. We have been in a shortage for 10 plus years. I meet so many people who college degrees who love to complain about their loans and lack of jobs. I smirk when I get my Daily Starbucks and get into my BMW….
I told my kids; I have the the money to send you to college, start a business or go to trade school. They chose college, graduated and they are earning over six figures. Because they have a degree in chemistry and the other, technology. But trade school should always be offered to every student no matter their grades from straight A's to straight C's. I think the education system has failed so many student. It's a shame that I was the one to talk to them about trade school, What it was, The income potential etc. The sad part is when I recommend trade school, to many ask "What's That"
One of my best buds is a plumber. About 25 years ago he bought a sailboat and headed to the Caribbean. Lives on St John, USVI, he's made a damn good living be the island plumber. "I could build houses and get invited to some nice cocktail parties or do some plumbing and make some decent money.
I remember being in school in the 90s and the turn of the millennia experiencing the skilled trades industry being belittled and called useless for our future. But knowing office, medical, law, and political jobs wasn't going to be any where in my future, I decided to take a welding course for 4 semesters and so glad that I did. People fail to realize that without us blue collar skilled tradesmen, none of the technology and innovations in every aspect of daily life wouldn't be possible.
I graduated highschool in 95 and remember the belittling of tradesman and blue collar work too. I wasted my highschool vocational courses taking printshop, then proceeded to watch the industry completely disintegrate due to advancing computer and digital printer technology within just a few years of graduating. I then spent a few years actually making really good money delivering pizza but knew I needed to find something more secure. So I took a 6 month night course for electrical work and by the next Monday after I got my certification I had an apprentice position in a non union electrical company making half the money for 3x the amount of hard work. Within 4 years I was given my own van and became a foreman making $35hr and about 4 years after that I bought my own van and started my own company. I've never had to worry about debt or being able to afford something ever since. I can't tell you how many people I went to school with that racked up $100k+ in college debt then struggled for years to even find a job in their field, a few of them are still working a basic retail job and cant pay their college loans off at all. If you're willing to put in the hard work and learn something starting from the bottom, there's no limit to what you can accomplish in time, and holy fudge is it mentally rewarding
I've never failed to realize this personally, but that might just be because my dad worked retail for so many years and it's a thankless as hell job. 30 years of his life into retail, he got spit on, cussed at and even chased out of his store once or twice. One real rough scrape in Houston involved employees throwing cans at robbers. Before that he did some time as a marine in the marine corps, actually partially during that time since he was never deployed. I'm accustomed to recognizing the important jobs, but unfortunately I seem to be a minority. Never, EVER, mess with the blue collar. The average working man, the guy who makes the pipes that go into your house, the guy who drives the truck that goes to the distribution center, the guy on the fork lift making sure everything is disturbed correctly in the warehouse, the guy out there on the power lines making sure everything works right so your house has electricity, the fellas who maintain the railroads, etc etc etc. The jobs go on into infinity yet no one wants to do them, and even worse, nobody seems to give much of a thought to those that do.
I graduated high school a few years ago. I didn’t go to a trade school, and I was led to believe that my life would go nowhere if I didn’t go to college and decide to get a degree. I cant put myself into that kind of debt, so I signed up for mig/tig welding at a local trade school. I’ve never picked up a torch before, but I’m really eager to learn a new skill. Is there any advice you have or anything i should know to be prepared?
I love it. Before I retired, I told my students that college isn't for everyone. But everyone needs somebody to build their homes, fix the automobile, and heat/cool their homes. My father was a farmer and an iron worker. When I was in high school, he helped reconstruct the London Bridge, and when I was an adult, his crew built the runway at White Sands NASA for the space shuttle. He was present when it landed. SOMEBODY'S GOTTA DO IT. Your friend from New Mexico, Carla.
Mike, thank you for highlighting SkillsUSA. I started at a trade school in 2010 at 55 years old. I graduated in 2011 at 56 years old. I wore the Red Jacked for 1st place in Manual Machining in my state at the SkillsUSA State competition. I already had a job lined up starting the Monday after graduating the trade school. Despite my age, this old dog learned a new trick and I made a good living and I made it to retirement without ever being without employment. The trades is where it really is at. I may have been the oldest at the trade school, but I earned first place in the state in the SkillsUSA competition in 2011. I came back to the trade school to welcome in the new students. A 48 year old gentleman was wondering why he even signed up for the trade school. I was blessed to be able to motivate him and he knew that if a 56 year old could graduate 1st in state, certainly a 48 you old could too.
Mike, we appreciate all you do! My son Cody placed silver and then came back and took GOLD in CNC Programming and Machining. He won a scholarship, went on to college, got his degree in the field, and then got hired at Boeing in research and development. From there he went on to another company and is now over his own team🎉 He also had an opportunity to go back to his Alma mater and teach a course to the new and upcoming students in the field. His instructors all pushed SkillsUSA, and it definitely made the difference in his future. He loved seeing you there and supporting them and making them feel successful and worthy 🎯👏 #proudMOM
I'm an electrician now, but I've been in the trades all my life. I'm 58, and I make a good living, but most important, I LOVE MY JOB ! I am never going to retire, if I can keep working, and if I die with my tools on, I will die happy. I bring the power and the light, and make sure it will all last the life of the building. May not seem like much, but it's enough for me.
Hey so i'm turning 33 this year in August, I was in the Travel tourism industry and when Covid hit i lost my job and did nothing for almost 2 years... made me rethink my career and felt like i completely wasted my time/money in college (still feel that way). I'm currently Working for a pharmacy factory at the moment it pays the bills but been thinking about going back to school for a skilll trade program because if i ever lose my job atleast i have a skill that i can use as a side hustle or start my own business with. I've been making a list of what Skill trade i'm interested in and which i think best suits me... i'm not physically strong and I have chronic lung disease (really bad asthma) looking into HVAC,Plumbing and Electrican... i'm also interested in welding but because of my asthma i dont think its a good idea... i guess my question is how hard is it to learn Electrican for someone who knows nothing about it and how hard is it compare to other trade skills? thanks!
I'm in Canada, and the training varies a lot between areas and countries. For me, it took a 4 year apprenticeship, with 10 weeks of school per year, and a licence exam at the end. I can't speak for other trades, but you have to be physically in good shape to do my job.Also lots of time in dusty environments, etc. Not to say you can't do it, or shouldn't , but other careers may be more suited.@@manchuk1d
Curious whether it's true that there are all sorts of apprenticeship requirements that are difficult to do if you don't have family in the industry (eg hard to get one that doesn't take advantage of you unless you're family). I mean, I've heard that without the family connections you're playing second fiddle to someone's wastrel nephew for years while you complete your apprenticeship. I'd really love to be wrong...just what I heard.
I can't speak for everywhere of course, but here in Winnipeg, it's not like that in residential , but it may be different getting in the union. I apprenticed under 3 or 4 very good journeymen that taught me a great deal, and treated me well. Tough, but fair. It's an important job, and must be done correctly to be safe, so no room for poor workmanship. @@petergerdes1094
I'm a industrial electrician. Been trying to hire someone for our third shift opening, and I am blown away at how hard it is to find someone competent that will show up on time.
this is a little tongue in cheek as i agree with you guys....but.... can i buy a house on what you plan to pay me?.............. these kids have no hope and half the red seals have been sitting on apprenticeships for 10+ years (where i am)..... it doesnt matter what we went through or what it was like for us...today is different. time has caught up to us....we're short apprentices, let alone people willing to work. but this aint just work.... these kids arent willing to retire to a wheelchair after working 50hr+ weeks. 1st year apprentices making less than $25/hr would rather work a warehouse or mcD's for a couple dollars less....less than 10 years ago you could make minimum wage being an apprentice.. while the boss was charging 10x that much per hour....that aint right..... and we lost a lot of kids to that. $25/hr is what mechanics made in the 90s...thats over 30yrs ago
@@kazzxtrismus You got to look at the long term. Sure your making $25 but soon $35+ and then a pension and benefits. What MCd going to give you? You can gain and move up to be making great $$$ in the trades. You can even start your own company and be making a killing. I was a called a machinist where I use to work but all I did was run a production machine in a AC room. Making $30 a hour even got dirty. We made test strips for the health care industry. Good pay health insurance was great short and long term disability insurance up to 4 weeks pay vacation when I walked in there door. 5 weeks after on years of working. Shoe $ as well.
I believe it. No one likes working third shift but more so it’s almost impossible somebody to find someone that will be willing to bust their butts to make a living. I absolutely LOVE working with my hands but I’ve developed health issues that have killed my stamina. I’ve been a bread maker, jeweler, engraver but never made good money doing it. I craft everything at home from jewelry making to stained glass. I would love to set up glass blowing, welding, and jewelry torch work in my garage, still lacking the money to do it.
Welding isn't that hard. My back felt like shit standing in the same position though. Other welding jobs would be much easier. Lots of downtime. Lots of getting to sit or squat.
I placed third twice at the nationals competition for Architectural CAD Drafting. Our room was nothing but tables and computers. SkillsUSA is definitely a program you should join if your school has it.
Mike, you are an absolute treasure to everyone everywhere. Words can't even begin to describe your generosity and the support you give young people and the hope you give our Country. ❤
I was a union fire sprinkler fitter, and retired after 30 years with 2 pension plans, medical unil i die from the union, and when i retired i was making 130,000 a year, and that was 5 years ago. I also didnt have to get a loan. I started the apprenticeship and went to school once a week after working. I got hired by a company as soon as my apprenticeship started.
I'm immensely proud that my daughter is entering a welding degree program this fall after graduating high school. I'm a strong supporter of trade programs and those who work in the trades. America needs our trades!
Almost 50 and I'm looking at something to do with the welding trade after a long career in Navy security. I've pushed trades, especially welding, to any young person I can steer the conversation too for a very long time. It's time take my own advise. All this in no small part to your efforts Mr. Rowe.
Mike! This is so incredibly personal and powerful for me! I did skillsUSA in high school for welding! I have been professionally welding for 12 years now!
Amazing Mike! Thanks for sharing this with us. These young people give me hope for our future. I started at 12 years old taking shop class. I learned to measure, read blueprints, weld, use most metalworking equipment, and all woodworking equipment by the time I graduated high school. I was going to become an industrial arts teacher, but got side tracked by the party scene in college as a 19 year old away from home for the first time. I dropped out of school and went to work framing houses. At 31, I went back to vocational college to become a journeyman electrician. A few years after I finished with my schooling, I went back to teach electricity at that same college. I became an electrician because on all of the jobs I worked on, the electricians always drove the nicest and newest trucks! All of this is to say, by learning to work with my hands at a young age, I have been able to provide for all of my needs through out my life. My dad used to preach at me all of the time about having a marketable skill. I thought he was stupid when I was young, but he was1000% right! Skilled labor IS where it's at!! Edit: Now I'm semi retired and travel around the country doing handyman work for folks. It's a great life!!
I'm so thankful that I went to high school when they still had what we called the Industrial Arts ie "shop class". My Late Dad was a professional Pile Drive Welder for 30 years. He taught me how to weld when I was about 7 years old. He learned that trade when he was in the U.S. Navy. And one of my proudest moments in my life was when he came and asked me how to teach him to mig weld Dad was a arc welder. I showed him how and he told me I'll stick with arc welding. He also gave me the best welding advice ever. He said Always Do The Very Best Welding You Can Because Your Life or Some One Else's Life Might Depend On Your Weld Holding. Dad was a proud 60 year member of Pile Driver's Local 2375 in Wilmington, CA. R.I.P. Dad and Mom . I miss you both very much.
I was a City construction inspector and worked at the Port of Los Angeles for a couple of years. I inspected jobs where they drove piles at the wharves, and I had to count the blows.
I got out of the Army in 1990. I had no plan at all, so I decided to get a job at a local factory that make agricultural products as a laborer. They had multiple welders walk out so they ask me if I wanted to learn. Heck Yes! Thanks to that it propelled me to the spot I am today!
When I went to Skills USA in 2011 I had a blast. Finished 3rd in nation in Appliance Repair. First time our school placed! Local Appliance store paid my way. After Skills was done, Home Depot gave me a 1000 dollar scholarship. Not bad for a 45 year old guy who had to start over!
The ending will definitely make you smile. AWESOME job Mike. You just proved how many young people you touch and inspire. You are a good man. Keep up the good work you do brother. 🤜🤛
I took a welding course in high school and while I haven't run a bead in years, I can identify a good weld and have nothing but respect for those who learn and do.
I’ve always told my kids to do what you’re passionate about and both my sons went into trade school (electrician and auto, diesel mechanic). I couldn’t be prouder of their career choices. Mahalo for sharing the importance of this!
I hear to many young people complaining about how hard it is now compared to back in their parents day. I had the same thought when I was young. Eventually I woke up and started going to work with the right attitude and things gradually began to improve in my life. I've now been with the same company for 30 years and I'm happy with where I am in my career. Our company has several young guys on our team and it is very obvious who wants to do a good job and who is only there to draw a paycheck. My advice to young people- If you think the world is stacked against you, you are correct and you have to fight to succeed- that is not a new thing. You won't get far if you are weak and whiny.
The welding really it home for me. When my son was in high school (he graduated in 1982), I didn't know what he would end up doing. But when he was a junior, he signed up for the welding class and he aced it!! He signed up again in his senior year and he was on his way to a very successful career. In the two years of welding, the lowest grade he got was a 95. The high school he went to also included a placement service for skilled trade students, so he was hired as an apprentice one week after graduating. He finished up his formal training at night school. His dad had done the same thing working as a sheet metal worker. In addition, the two years of high school were applied to his apprenticeship, so he had a jump on others. And he was NEVER out of work. One shop where he worked went out of business but he had a job at a new shop the next week. That was the only job change he made in over 35 years in the business. I don't know what the final cost of this training was, but he paid for it out of his pocket and had no student loan hanging over his head when he finished. He spent his entire life as a welder and always made good money. He's retired now but has a welding shop in his garage and still takes on small jobs as he sees fit. I can't speak highly enough about vo-tech schools. Whether it's welding, dental assistance, restaurant management or any area of personal interest, if you go to a vo-tech school, you're guaranteed a very comfortable way of living. GUARANTEED!!
@@SpecialFX99 only thing I’ll say is I wish I had done this long ago. I was a granite fabricator for like 25 years and thought I made good money. I really didn’t compared to now. Benefits,higher pay and it’s pretty cool to actually make stuff too
That is amazing! I am looking to get into welding, but not sure where to start. Might you have any advice or suggestions on how best to start? Thank you in advance.
@@magic_fruit_bat5003 I just got my foot in the door at a big fab shop and used all my breaks practicing and making stuff for myself and eventually they had a welder quit and they asked me to test. So if you can’t afford school with a placement program that would be my suggestion
Turning on the TV and watching Dirty Jobs throughout my entire life thus far was a huge inspiration. To see this video on SkillsUSA is so inspiring to the youth and the future of America. I Just competed at the national level (2023) as part of a 4-studentent team for the Team Works competition and we finished 3rd!! It was the first time our votech ever had a team reach the national level in that program; and when we stepped on that stage in front of students from across the country; it was nothing short of breathtaking. We were all so proud of one another; and to say I am honored to be a part of something like that would be an absolute understatement. Even if we didn't place; we were all so proud of each other and grateful to have the opportunityty to be a part of an organization like SkillsUSA. To anyone who is still reading this; thank you so very much for listining to my lil story. If you have any questions; please dont hesitate to ask. Thank ya again, and I hope you have a great day!
Wow, Mike you had me tearing up when you were introduced on stage, with all those people cheering for you! Oh how I wish your foundation had been around when I was growing up, I would have jumped at it in a heart beat, now I'm medically retired and still wishing that I could have done differently with my life. I hope that a lot of growing adults try for your Works foundation and get to be in it!! Thank you for what you have been doing, and keep up the good work, enjoy what you do, your Mom and Dad, Chuck and all the videos you have made! Thanks again Mike!!
as a welding graduate that was like learning how to hold scissors as far as "welding trade" goes. could have started with what most people imagine welding as. Bond two pieces together.
Good for you Mike for supporting this cause. Skilled labor is a much needed thing in our society, and it gives people who are good at working with their hands an opportunity to make a good living doing what they love.
I loved SkillsUSA when I was in high school. Myself, I'm a state champion for auto parts but unfortunately it wasn't a national category so I didn't get to compete at the national level. When I started in Skills USA our high-school only 6 members but in the short 2 years as president we were able to over tripple that number. That was my proudest moment, take a small club & spread the word of vocational careers & grow it. The championship was just the icing on the cake.
I got to be a judge at a SkillsUSA competition. They are doing great work with teaching skilled trades. I would happily do it again. The skilled trades are so important.
Skills usa was in my high school and my school was heavily invested in skilled trades. We had auto, welding, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and masonry classes. All had pathways to compete in skills usa competitions. God bless the skilled tradesmen and women who do these jobs because our way of life wouldnt exist without them.
I particularly enjoyed this! I appreciate your commitment to the trades and your multiple testimonies before congress. Love the channel too. I contacted one of my grandsons who is enrolled in a welding program to tell him about SkillsUSA; he told me he was already in the program after his competition last year. Made my day
Saw the red jackets and reminded me of VICA.. so googled and sure enough it is the same organization. I went to a VICA conference in 1992, still have my red jacket and pins..
I graduated high school in 1988 and my shop class was 3 hours a day and vica was our big thing then i worked in construction for 34 years. Vica stands for vocational industrial clubs of America we won lots of awards
Skills USA is a wonderful program! I'm so happy to see SkillsUSA talked about & shown❤. I was apart of it & it was a wonderful experience. Though I never won any scholarships nor was I able to get a job in my field, but it taught me a lot of skills I use all of the time. It taught me how to work positively with constructive criticism, reinforced my confidence in public speaking & how to discern between clients, how to interview, etc.... Recommend 10/10 !
Hey Mike! I was a SkillsUSA national champion back in high school and 100% recommend young professionals take part. I'm really glad that you've been a supporter of SkillsUSA for as long as you have been!
i absolutely love how Mike hosts the show, he's there in the moment but he also has fun, but he is serious but he asks the important questions, mike is one of the very few Tv presenters i adore
My younger years I when to Job Corp in Darby Montana and acquired the knowledge of welding and everything concrete all in 11/2 years. I graduated 2001 with my GED and Highschool diploma both from job Corp, and a certified concrete finisher! I'm very happy I put myself through such a program at the age of 16! I have recommended it to some youths through my travels! Love what you do Mike and I've been a fan for some years now. God bless!
I was in VOTECH and Skills USA my Junior and Senior years of high school (2000-2002). I did electricity and loved every minute of it. I won my Regional Competition in Virginia my Senior Year in Motor Controls and was invited to the State competition. I placed 4th in the State of VA in motor controls. After high school, I went to my local community college and got a diploma in Analyst Electronics with a certificate in Industrial Electrical and Industrial Electronics too. About 6 years later I decided to take my electrical/electronics knowledge and get into computers. Now I work for a Top Fortune 500 company making 6 figures while working from home! I love this video and everything Mike Rowe stands for.
Thank God most counties in PA still have Vo-tech that you can go to in high school (if your grades are good enough and you don't have any disciplinary marks). My husband and I graduated from Vo-tech, all 4 of our kids graduated from Vo-tech (the youngest to just completed highschool and Vo-tech last school year). As far as I'm aware it's not available in the big cities but all the other counties do have it.
I went for cosmetology, my husband went for auto mechanics, our eldest son went for drafting, our daughter went for commercial arts, and the two youngest ones had one in BCM (building construction and maintenance) and the other in precision metal.
Good for you. I also did Votech many moons ago. I moved to the west coast from PA a few years ago and have never been unemployed. There has been years that I felt rich and some that I struggled but it is the best system for those of us more creative with both our minds and our hands. Support the PA lottery, it supports a large amount of that system.
Love Mike's passion for the trades...I was a two school drop out /kick out...I couldn't sit still in class...using my hands ..saved my life...my son is now a plumber....as well
I went to a vocational high school and competed in VICA (Skills USA) competitions. Best HS experience I could have asked for, and prepared me for the rest of life.
I went to and graduated from Vo-tech in 1990. I’m a cabinet maker and still am today. It’s all I’ve done since school. I was lucky where I live in the 90’s there was plenty of building going on. I’ve been through a lot of shops built all kinds of things. I’m working at the place I was at for co-op in my senior year. Things got slow at this shop and I was able to go to other shops. The best thing for me was learning from the old guys. Now I’m the old guy. Lol. I completely agree that not everyone is meant for college. Going to Vo-tech was the best move for me. It’s satisfying when you get to stand back and say I built that.
I worked offshore projects about 10 years ago. The welders were all making $250K - $350K per year. And there was hundreds of them on any given project. If you make $250K a year, you'll have set yourself up for life after only a few years, then you can pursue whatever you want.
I competed in the Skills USA nationals about 25 years ago for industrial electric and motor control. Took second place in that very hall in Kansas City! It was an amazing experience and my electrical training that got me there got me into my industrial maintenance career and still love it.
I love Mike Rowe. I went to college to get a finance degree. There are very few degrees that are worth paying money for, im glad I got mine. But now I work as an Analyst for a construction company. For every one analyst, there are a 100 skilled craft guys on site. My favorite part of the days are the concrete guys teaching me compaction tests, the welders showing me the proper way to set a bead, and the substation guys teaching me how to terminate wires.
I am extremely proud to say that my husband was not only an electrician, but also became the director of the electrical wiring department at Wake Tech Community College in North Carolina. Not only has he inspired many young men and women to become electricians, but he also inspired his son, who is now an electrician with his own company. Let’s hear it for vocational workers!!!
Hey so i'm turning 33 this year in August, I was in the Travel tourism industry and when Covid hit i lost my job and did nothing for almost 2 years... made me rethink my career and felt like i completely wasted my time/money in college (still feel that way). I'm currently Working for a pharmacy factory at the moment it pays the bills but been thinking about going back to school for a skilll trade program because if i ever lose my job atleast i have a skill that i can use as a side hustle or start my own business with. I've been making a list of what Skill trade i'm interested in and which i think best suits me... i'm not physically strong and I have chronic lung disease (really bad asthma) looking into HVAC,Plumbing and Electrican... i'm also interested in welding but because of my asthma i dont think its a good idea... i guess my question is how hard is it to learn Electrican for someone who knows nothing about it and how hard is it compare to other trade skills? thanks!
Out of all the trades you mentioned plumbing is the easiest and electrical the hardest. Electrical is hard but doable. You could start as a helper with a company and learn as you go or you could go to school at a community college. You could also get into an apprenticeship program. That would allow you to work and take classes at the same time.
I went to school for manufacturing over 20 years ago. I have been a machinist most of those years and now more programming. It's been an awesome and fulfilling career and have never had an issue finding a job. For those that like creativity and technology, machining is a great choice 🇺🇸💯
I was in the bar business for 25 years, from 15-40. Made millions slingin drinks. Still, nothing compares to tiling out a gorgeous bathroom or building something someone thought was impossible. You can make a damn fine living working with your hands. Thanks for all you do Mike; you’re a real one.
Been an optical repair technician 40 years. Microscopes,Telescopes, Binoculars, Sextants, Azimuth Circles, including weather instruments and anything else with Optics in it. Antique to modern day
This is amazing as a red seal certified journeyman as an auto mechanic and I did compete in Skills Canada more than a decade ago but it is nice to see some appreciation of skilled trade work.
Between the Marine Corps and my current profession ... (23 years and counting) Correctional Detention Officer, I was a glazier. I was hired with no experience by a man with his own company and who encouraged learning the trade. When I left to do what I currently do, I could do home, auto and commercial. That included going over the sides of buildings to install glass. Spent five years doing that in the mid nineties. I still have my tools.
I wish I had known about all of this when I was coming out of High School. While I have done okay for myself, I think I'd would have been happier in a Trade field rather than the path I ended up taking.
Good on you Mike rowe. I built my entire life with an education in carpentry. Building houses for other people taught me to buy houses. But I couldn’t have done any of it without learning how sink a 16 penny nail with 1 swing set and swing. That will teach you a lot about focus and a lot about determination and the pursuit of perfection, and if you want to go crazy I know guys that will race a nail gun. Savages in the best way possible.
Been a certified welder since 1976 got into the operating engineers Union in 1976 have worked every since then never missed a day averaged over $140,000 a year with full benefits people are always asking me to go work at their company but I apply myself I have went to the training site and learn to do many things run heavy equipment repair welder in a good welder makes a difference
I joined the Air Force at 20 …..then took my GI bill and went to trade school. Worked hard and learned everything about the HVAC trade I could and kept advancing. I’ve worked Union and Non-Union but… I WORKED. At 57 am in a management position of a very large HVAC company making six figures a year with great benefits and getting close to a good retirement. I have two daughters that went to a four year college and we worked together to keep there student loans down to the about the amount of a decent used care and they are doing well in the Educational and Medical profession. Trade Schools and Colleges both have their place but……a young person needs to know there are two paths to success in the country……even more sometimes!
I'm a plumber in MD and have been for 25 years now. I often hear people say things like, "why don't you go to college and get a real job?" or "you're too smart to be doing *just* plumbing". Often times, taking offense. It was when COVID hit and I saw so many people with college degrees and white collar jobs having to sit home and collect unemployment, or resort to other means to continue to provide. All the while, infrastructure jobs never rested. We kept our Country/world in order while others had to sit and wait.
Blue collar work is the definition of capitalism (in my opinion). You are going to get out of it what you put into it. Not only can you make a very good salary, but the money you can save by fixing your own problems in lieu of paying another to do it is worth so much as well!
College isn't for everyone. But hard work is. It's very rewarding to come home from a completed task, often times hailed as a hero to those who are in need of emergency plumbing or even putting my artistic touch on designing a mechanical room that makes me proud to stand back and say, "I did that"! I know many with college degrees who can't say and experience these feelings and I feel sorry for them.
I'm not here to discriminate against anyone's job or educational status. I personally prefer my doctor's to be educated when they are diagnosing me, or someone who knows the laws if they were to ever have to represent me in court. But I do believe that hard work and due diligence is of equal value to a piece of paper stating I learned something. We need tradesmen as much as we need doctors, teachers, etc. We all have an equal value. We all have a job to do here. Mine just happens to be a "Dirty Job". But hey, "Somebody's Gotta Do it".
Diesel and Automotive mechanic of 23 years. Had to work every day during Covid. Major overtime. Used to get white collar people talk down to me all of the time. The tune sure changed later on. Everyone I meet who is white collar. They all brag about how much money I must save being able to fix my own cars and house etc. They bitch about how expensive auto repair is. I made a killing during Covid working on side jobs. I live in the burbs and most people think I am white collar. We have been in a shortage for 10 plus years. I meet so many people who college degrees who love to complain about their loans and lack of jobs. I smirk when I get my Daily Starbucks and get into my BMW….
I told my kids; I have the the money to send you to college, start a business or go to trade school. They chose college, graduated and they are earning over six figures. Because they have a degree in chemistry and the other, technology. But trade school should always be offered to every student no matter their grades from straight A's to straight C's. I think the education system has failed so many student. It's a shame that I was the one to talk to them about trade school, What it was, The income potential etc. The sad part is when I recommend trade school, to many ask "What's That"
Amen brother! I’m not a tradesman and rely on someone else to do any repairs and they all price gouge me. I really wish i learned a trade like you.
@nathanhunt54 This was really inspiring. Thank you from Wa!
One of my best buds is a plumber. About 25 years ago he bought a sailboat and headed to the Caribbean. Lives on St John, USVI, he's made a damn good living be the island plumber. "I could build houses and get invited to some nice cocktail parties or do some plumbing and make some decent money.
I remember being in school in the 90s and the turn of the millennia experiencing the skilled trades industry being belittled and called useless for our future. But knowing office, medical, law, and political jobs wasn't going to be any where in my future, I decided to take a welding course for 4 semesters and so glad that I did. People fail to realize that without us blue collar skilled tradesmen, none of the technology and innovations in every aspect of daily life wouldn't be possible.
I graduated highschool in 95 and remember the belittling of tradesman and blue collar work too. I wasted my highschool vocational courses taking printshop, then proceeded to watch the industry completely disintegrate due to advancing computer and digital printer technology within just a few years of graduating. I then spent a few years actually making really good money delivering pizza but knew I needed to find something more secure. So I took a 6 month night course for electrical work and by the next Monday after I got my certification I had an apprentice position in a non union electrical company making half the money for 3x the amount of hard work. Within 4 years I was given my own van and became a foreman making $35hr and about 4 years after that I bought my own van and started my own company. I've never had to worry about debt or being able to afford something ever since. I can't tell you how many people I went to school with that racked up $100k+ in college debt then struggled for years to even find a job in their field, a few of them are still working a basic retail job and cant pay their college loans off at all. If you're willing to put in the hard work and learn something starting from the bottom, there's no limit to what you can accomplish in time, and holy fudge is it mentally rewarding
Amen well said ❤
@@thelonewrangler1008America is a great country because of people like yourself who are not afraid of hard work. Thank you 😊
I've never failed to realize this personally, but that might just be because my dad worked retail for so many years and it's a thankless as hell job.
30 years of his life into retail, he got spit on, cussed at and even chased out of his store once or twice.
One real rough scrape in Houston involved employees throwing cans at robbers.
Before that he did some time as a marine in the marine corps, actually partially during that time since he was never deployed.
I'm accustomed to recognizing the important jobs, but unfortunately I seem to be a minority.
Never, EVER, mess with the blue collar.
The average working man, the guy who makes the pipes that go into your house, the guy who drives the truck that goes to the distribution center, the guy on the fork lift making sure everything is disturbed correctly in the warehouse, the guy out there on the power lines making sure everything works right so your house has electricity, the fellas who maintain the railroads, etc etc etc.
The jobs go on into infinity yet no one wants to do them, and even worse, nobody seems to give much of a thought to those that do.
I graduated high school a few years ago. I didn’t go to a trade school, and I was led to believe that my life would go nowhere if I didn’t go to college and decide to get a degree. I cant put myself into that kind of debt, so I signed up for mig/tig welding at a local trade school. I’ve never picked up a torch before, but I’m really eager to learn a new skill. Is there any advice you have or anything i should know to be prepared?
I love it. Before I retired, I told my students that college isn't for everyone. But everyone needs somebody to build their homes, fix the automobile, and heat/cool their homes. My father was a farmer and an iron worker. When I was in high school, he helped reconstruct the London Bridge, and when I was an adult, his crew built the runway at White Sands NASA for the space shuttle. He was present when it landed. SOMEBODY'S GOTTA DO IT. Your friend from New Mexico, Carla.
@carlaatkins2619 Wow.....that was great. I respect people like your father
@280StJohnsPl He was a man of honor, loyalty and dedicated to his family and friends. Thank you.
@@carlaatkins2619 You're welcome
Mike, thank you for highlighting SkillsUSA. I started at a trade school in 2010 at 55 years old. I graduated in 2011 at 56 years old. I wore the Red Jacked for 1st place in Manual Machining in my state at the SkillsUSA State competition. I already had a job lined up starting the Monday after graduating the trade school. Despite my age, this old dog learned a new trick and I made a good living and I made it to retirement without ever being without employment.
The trades is where it really is at. I may have been the oldest at the trade school, but I earned first place in the state in the SkillsUSA competition in 2011. I came back to the trade school to welcome in the new students. A 48 year old gentleman was wondering why he even signed up for the trade school. I was blessed to be able to motivate him and he knew that if a 56 year old could graduate 1st in state, certainly a 48 you old could too.
Mike, we appreciate all you do! My son Cody placed silver and then came back and took GOLD in CNC Programming and Machining. He won a scholarship, went on to college, got his degree in the field, and then got hired at Boeing in research and development. From there he went on to another company and is now over his own team🎉 He also had an opportunity to go back to his Alma mater and teach a course to the new and upcoming students in the field. His instructors all pushed SkillsUSA, and it definitely made the difference in his future. He loved seeing you there and supporting them and making them feel successful and worthy 🎯👏 #proudMOM
I'm an electrician now, but I've been in the trades all my life. I'm 58, and I make a good living, but most important, I LOVE MY JOB ! I am never going to retire, if I can keep working, and if I die with my tools on, I will die happy. I bring the power and the light, and make sure it will all last the life of the building. May not seem like much, but it's enough for me.
Hey so i'm turning 33 this year in August, I was in the Travel tourism industry and when Covid hit i lost my job and did nothing for almost 2 years... made me rethink my career and felt like i completely wasted my time/money in college (still feel that way). I'm currently Working for a pharmacy factory at the moment it pays the bills but been thinking about going back to school for a skilll trade program because if i ever lose my job atleast i have a skill that i can use as a side hustle or start my own business with. I've been making a list of what Skill trade i'm interested in and which i think best suits me... i'm not physically strong and I have chronic lung disease (really bad asthma) looking into HVAC,Plumbing and Electrican... i'm also interested in welding but because of my asthma i dont think its a good idea... i guess my question is how hard is it to learn Electrican for someone who knows nothing about it and how hard is it compare to other trade skills? thanks!
I'm in Canada, and the training varies a lot between areas and countries. For me, it took a 4 year apprenticeship, with 10 weeks of school per year, and a licence exam at the end. I can't speak for other trades, but you have to be physically in good shape to do my job.Also lots of time in dusty environments, etc. Not to say you can't do it, or shouldn't , but other careers may be more suited.@@manchuk1d
Curious whether it's true that there are all sorts of apprenticeship requirements that are difficult to do if you don't have family in the industry (eg hard to get one that doesn't take advantage of you unless you're family).
I mean, I've heard that without the family connections you're playing second fiddle to someone's wastrel nephew for years while you complete your apprenticeship.
I'd really love to be wrong...just what I heard.
I can't speak for everywhere of course, but here in Winnipeg, it's not like that in residential , but it may be different getting in the union. I apprenticed under 3 or 4 very good journeymen that taught me a great deal, and treated me well. Tough, but fair. It's an important job, and must be done correctly to be safe, so no room for poor workmanship. @@petergerdes1094
Anyone else so proud of Mike that they got misty eyed at the cheers he received walking out on stage!!!! LOVE THAT GUY!!!!!!!!
I'm not crying. You're crying.
*wipes eyes*
I'm a industrial electrician. Been trying to hire someone for our third shift opening, and I am blown away at how hard it is to find someone competent that will show up on time.
Residential Electrician in Manitoba , Canada, same problem. Hard for people to put their phones down long enough to get any work done, it seems.
this is a little tongue in cheek as i agree with you guys....but....
can i buy a house on what you plan to pay me?..............
these kids have no hope and half the red seals have been sitting on
apprenticeships for 10+ years (where i am).....
it doesnt matter what we went through or what it was like for us...today is different.
time has caught up to us....we're short apprentices, let alone people willing to work.
but this aint just work....
these kids arent willing to retire to a wheelchair after working 50hr+ weeks.
1st year apprentices making less than $25/hr would rather work a warehouse or mcD's for a couple dollars less....less than 10 years ago you could make minimum wage being an apprentice..
while the boss was charging 10x that much per hour....that aint right.....
and we lost a lot of kids to that.
$25/hr is what mechanics made in the 90s...thats over 30yrs ago
I run a steel fabrication shop in Maryland and same thing these young guys want easy TH-cam money no one wants to actually work for a living anymore
@@kazzxtrismus You got to look at the long term. Sure your making $25 but soon $35+ and then a pension and benefits. What MCd going to give you? You can gain and move up to be making great $$$ in the trades. You can even start your own company and be making a killing. I was a called a machinist where I use to work but all I did was run a production machine in a AC room. Making $30 a hour even got dirty. We made test strips for the health care industry. Good pay health insurance was great short and long term disability insurance up to 4 weeks pay vacation when I walked in there door. 5 weeks after on years of working. Shoe $ as well.
I believe it. No one likes working third shift but more so it’s almost impossible somebody to find someone that will be willing to bust their butts to make a living. I absolutely LOVE working with my hands but I’ve developed health issues that have killed my stamina. I’ve been a bread maker, jeweler, engraver but never made good money doing it. I craft everything at home from jewelry making to stained glass. I would love to set up glass blowing, welding, and jewelry torch work in my garage, still lacking the money to do it.
Nothing compares to working with your hands. That sense of accomplishment and genuinely being tired.
And knowing you earned that money.
True, but nowadays you have to work twice as much to get the same money as 10 years ago.
Welding isn't that hard. My back felt like shit standing in the same position though. Other welding jobs would be much easier. Lots of downtime. Lots of getting to sit or squat.
AND, you will never find a "gym" in any blue collar worker's basement, he gets his "workout" everyday on the job.
No he doesn't. Welding isn't that hard. I wasn't making gains until I went to the gym, and I'm a welder. @@TYRONE_SHOELACES
I placed third twice at the nationals competition for Architectural CAD Drafting. Our room was nothing but tables and computers. SkillsUSA is definitely a program you should join if your school has it.
I’m in a CAD class rn and skills is really cool
Mike, you are an absolute treasure to everyone everywhere. Words can't even begin to describe your generosity and the support you give young people and the hope you give our Country. ❤
So glad this exists. We all need to keep elevating the status of people who become masters of these trades.
I was a union fire sprinkler fitter, and retired after 30 years with 2 pension plans, medical unil i die from the union, and when i retired i was making 130,000 a year, and that was 5 years ago. I also didnt have to get a loan. I started the apprenticeship and went to school once a week after working. I got hired by a company as soon as my apprenticeship started.
I'm immensely proud that my daughter is entering a welding degree program this fall after graduating high school. I'm a strong supporter of trade programs and those who work in the trades. America needs our trades!
Almost 50 and I'm looking at something to do with the welding trade after a long career in Navy security. I've pushed trades, especially welding, to any young person I can steer the conversation too for a very long time. It's time take my own advise. All this in no small part to your efforts Mr. Rowe.
I'm irish myself, and I love welding. I'm starting a training course next week. I'm going to get trained up and hopefully go to work on the pipeline
Mike Rowe for POTUS!!
Mike! This is so incredibly personal and powerful for me! I did skillsUSA in high school for welding! I have been professionally welding for 12 years now!
Amazing Mike!
Thanks for sharing this with us. These young people give me hope for our future.
I started at 12 years old taking shop class. I learned to measure, read blueprints, weld, use most metalworking equipment, and all woodworking equipment by the time I graduated high school.
I was going to become an industrial arts teacher, but got side tracked by the party scene in college as a 19 year old away from home for the first time. I dropped out of school and went to work framing houses.
At 31, I went back to vocational college to become a journeyman electrician. A few years after I finished with my schooling, I went back to teach electricity at that same college. I became an electrician because on all of the jobs I worked on, the electricians always drove the nicest and newest trucks!
All of this is to say, by learning to work with my hands at a young age, I have been able to provide for all of my needs through out my life.
My dad used to preach at me all of the time about having a marketable skill. I thought he was stupid when I was young, but he was1000% right!
Skilled labor IS where it's at!!
Edit:
Now I'm semi retired and travel around the country doing handyman work for folks. It's a great life!!
I'm so thankful that I went to high school when they still had what we called the Industrial Arts ie "shop class". My Late Dad was a professional Pile Drive Welder for 30 years. He taught me how to weld when I was about 7 years old. He learned that trade when he was in the U.S. Navy. And one of my proudest moments in my life was when he came and asked me how to teach him to mig weld Dad was a arc welder. I showed him how and he told me I'll stick with arc welding. He also gave me the best welding advice ever. He said Always Do The Very Best Welding You Can Because Your Life or Some One Else's Life Might Depend On Your Weld Holding. Dad was a proud 60 year member of Pile Driver's Local 2375 in Wilmington, CA. R.I.P. Dad and Mom . I miss you both very much.
I was a City construction inspector and worked at the Port of Los Angeles for a couple of years. I inspected jobs where they drove piles at the wharves, and I had to count the blows.
Mike Rowe, one of our greatest national treasures.
Thanks to people like you Mike & all the others who provide the chances to these young people to go out an be successful !!
I got out of the Army in 1990. I had no plan at all, so I decided to get a job at a local factory that make agricultural products as a laborer. They had multiple welders walk out so they ask me if I wanted to learn. Heck Yes! Thanks to that it propelled me to the spot I am today!
When I went to Skills USA in 2011 I had a blast. Finished 3rd in nation in Appliance Repair. First time our school placed! Local Appliance store paid my way. After Skills was done, Home Depot gave me a 1000 dollar scholarship. Not bad for a 45 year old guy who had to start over!
I'm in my 8th week of welding school because of the skills gap you so admittedly talk about. Thanks man!!!
The ending will definitely make you smile. AWESOME job Mike. You just proved how many young people you touch and inspire. You are a good man. Keep up the good work you do brother. 🤜🤛
I took a welding course in high school and while I haven't run a bead in years, I can identify a good weld and have nothing but respect for those who learn and do.
I been around welding for 20 plus years and the first thing you learn is looks don't matter. I see welds that look great but wasn't strong.
Dad had a small shop with mostly metal working stuff, so I got an early start. Laid my first bead at 12yrs old.
What a great man. Simple as that. Spreading the good of the trades. Thanks Mike.
I’ve always told my kids to do what you’re passionate about and both my sons went into trade school (electrician and auto, diesel mechanic). I couldn’t be prouder of their career choices. Mahalo for sharing the importance of this!
Love your work brother. 30+ years of welding and to see that makes me happy. Keep on keeping on.
I hear to many young people complaining about how hard it is now compared to back in their parents day. I had the same thought when I was young. Eventually I woke up and started going to work with the right attitude and things gradually began to improve in my life. I've now been with the same company for 30 years and I'm happy with where I am in my career. Our company has several young guys on our team and it is very obvious who wants to do a good job and who is only there to draw a paycheck. My advice to young people- If you think the world is stacked against you, you are correct and you have to fight to succeed- that is not a new thing. You won't get far if you are weak and whiny.
This is what HOPE for our children's future looks like ❤🎉🇺🇸
The welding really it home for me. When my son was in high school (he graduated in 1982), I didn't know what he would end up doing. But when he was a junior, he signed up for the welding class and he aced it!! He signed up again in his senior year and he was on his way to a very successful career. In the two years of welding, the lowest grade he got was a 95. The high school he went to also included a placement service for skilled trade students, so he was hired as an apprentice one week after graduating. He finished up his formal training at night school. His dad had done the same thing working as a sheet metal worker. In addition, the two years of high school were applied to his apprenticeship, so he had a jump on others. And he was NEVER out of work. One shop where he worked went out of business but he had a job at a new shop the next week. That was the only job change he made in over 35 years in the business. I don't know what the final cost of this training was, but he paid for it out of his pocket and had no student loan hanging over his head when he finished. He spent his entire life as a welder and always made good money. He's retired now but has a welding shop in his garage and still takes on small jobs as he sees fit. I can't speak highly enough about vo-tech schools. Whether it's welding, dental assistance, restaurant management or any area of personal interest, if you go to a vo-tech school, you're guaranteed a very comfortable way of living. GUARANTEED!!
At 45 years old I switched careers to welding and now I love what I do and I’m paid well to do it!
42 and considering it! Glad to see people out there are doing it!
@@SpecialFX99 only thing I’ll say is I wish I had done this long ago. I was a granite fabricator for like 25 years and thought I made good money. I really didn’t compared to now. Benefits,higher pay and it’s pretty cool to actually make stuff too
@@Thegoofyairgunner I'm a manufacturing engineer and am not sure how much the money difference would be
That is amazing! I am looking to get into welding, but not sure where to start. Might you have any advice or suggestions on how best to start? Thank you in advance.
@@magic_fruit_bat5003 I just got my foot in the door at a big fab shop and used all my breaks practicing and making stuff for myself and eventually they had a welder quit and they asked me to test. So if you can’t afford school with a placement program that would be my suggestion
The awareness you’re bringing to the trades is so great. Keep up the good work Mike!
That was so positive to watch!! Thank you Mike and all those teachers and students!!!
Turning on the TV and watching Dirty Jobs throughout my entire life thus far was a huge inspiration. To see this video on SkillsUSA is so inspiring to the youth and the future of America. I Just competed at the national level (2023) as part of a 4-studentent team for the Team Works competition and we finished 3rd!! It was the first time our votech ever had a team reach the national level in that program; and when we stepped on that stage in front of students from across the country; it was nothing short of breathtaking. We were all so proud of one another; and to say I am honored to be a part of something like that would be an absolute understatement. Even if we didn't place; we were all so proud of each other and grateful to have the opportunityty to be a part of an organization like SkillsUSA.
To anyone who is still reading this; thank you so very much for listining to my lil story. If you have any questions; please dont hesitate to ask. Thank ya again, and I hope you have a great day!
Wow, Mike you had me tearing up when you were introduced on stage, with all those people cheering for you! Oh how I wish your foundation had been around when I was growing up, I would have jumped at it in a heart beat, now I'm medically retired and still wishing that I could have done differently with my life. I hope that a lot of growing adults try for your Works foundation and get to be in it!! Thank you for what you have been doing, and keep up the good work, enjoy what you do, your Mom and Dad, Chuck and all the videos you have made! Thanks again Mike!!
Master Electrician here with over 20yrs exp... keep them coming sir, we'll straighten them out.
as a welding graduate that was like learning how to hold scissors as far as "welding trade" goes. could have started with what most people imagine welding as. Bond two pieces together.
Good for you Mike for supporting this cause. Skilled labor is a much needed thing in our society, and it gives people who are good at working with their hands an opportunity to make a good living doing what they love.
This is outstanding! Thank you for spreading awareness about Skills USA!
God bless you Mike! For showing people, a better way.
I loved SkillsUSA when I was in high school. Myself, I'm a state champion for auto parts but unfortunately it wasn't a national category so I didn't get to compete at the national level. When I started in Skills USA our high-school only 6 members but in the short 2 years as president we were able to over tripple that number. That was my proudest moment, take a small club & spread the word of vocational careers & grow it. The championship was just the icing on the cake.
I got to be a judge at a SkillsUSA competition. They are doing great work with teaching skilled trades. I would happily do it again. The skilled trades are so important.
Skills usa was in my high school and my school was heavily invested in skilled trades. We had auto, welding, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and masonry classes. All had pathways to compete in skills usa competitions. God bless the skilled tradesmen and women who do these jobs because our way of life wouldnt exist without them.
Yes!!! God bless all those young folks!
I particularly enjoyed this! I appreciate your commitment to the trades and your multiple testimonies before congress. Love the channel too. I contacted one of my grandsons who is enrolled in a welding program to tell him about SkillsUSA; he told me he was already in the program after his competition last year. Made my day
I am a careers teacher in Toronto and I try so hard to open their eyes to opportunity. I will be showing them this my second day of class!
Saw the red jackets and reminded me of VICA.. so googled and sure enough it is the same organization. I went to a VICA conference in 1992, still have my red jacket and pins..
I graduated high school in 1988 and my shop class was 3 hours a day and vica was our big thing then i worked in construction for 34 years. Vica stands for vocational industrial clubs of America we won lots of awards
Skills USA is a wonderful program! I'm so happy to see SkillsUSA talked about & shown❤.
I was apart of it & it was a wonderful experience. Though I never won any scholarships nor was I able to get a job in my field, but it taught me a lot of skills I use all of the time.
It taught me how to work positively with constructive criticism, reinforced my confidence in public speaking & how to discern between clients, how to interview, etc.... Recommend 10/10 !
Hey Mike! I was a SkillsUSA national champion back in high school and 100% recommend young professionals take part. I'm really glad that you've been a supporter of SkillsUSA for as long as you have been!
i absolutely love how Mike hosts the show, he's there in the moment but he also has fun, but he is serious but he asks the important questions, mike is one of the very few Tv presenters i adore
My younger years I when to Job Corp in Darby Montana and acquired the knowledge of welding and everything concrete all in 11/2 years. I graduated 2001 with my GED and Highschool diploma both from job Corp, and a certified concrete finisher! I'm very happy I put myself through such a program at the age of 16! I have recommended it to some youths through my travels!
Love what you do Mike and I've been a fan for some years now. God bless!
God bless every person in this video! Especially Mike!
I was in VOTECH and Skills USA my Junior and Senior years of high school (2000-2002). I did electricity and loved every minute of it. I won my Regional Competition in Virginia my Senior Year in Motor Controls and was invited to the State competition. I placed 4th in the State of VA in motor controls. After high school, I went to my local community college and got a diploma in Analyst Electronics with a certificate in Industrial Electrical and Industrial Electronics too. About 6 years later I decided to take my electrical/electronics knowledge and get into computers. Now I work for a Top Fortune 500 company making 6 figures while working from home!
I love this video and everything Mike Rowe stands for.
Biggest regret I have is not going in to a trade. So great to see this.
Thank God most counties in PA still have Vo-tech that you can go to in high school (if your grades are good enough and you don't have any disciplinary marks). My husband and I graduated from Vo-tech, all 4 of our kids graduated from Vo-tech (the youngest to just completed highschool and Vo-tech last school year). As far as I'm aware it's not available in the big cities but all the other counties do have it.
I went for cosmetology, my husband went for auto mechanics, our eldest son went for drafting, our daughter went for commercial arts, and the two youngest ones had one in BCM (building construction and maintenance) and the other in precision metal.
Good for you. I also did Votech many moons ago. I moved to the west coast from PA a few years ago and have never been unemployed. There has been years that I felt rich and some that I struggled but it is the best system for those of us more creative with both our minds and our hands. Support the PA lottery, it supports a large amount of that system.
@@WalkiTalkiAnother Pennsylvania native in the house!
Love Mike's passion for the trades...I was a two school drop out /kick out...I couldn't sit still in class...using my hands ..saved my life...my son is now a plumber....as well
Let him know that shit runs down hill
Doing the Lord's work here, Mike. We need more American's doing skilled labor. God bless.
Show more!
Show all the skills available!
Make as many episodes about it as possible!
I went to a vocational high school and competed in VICA (Skills USA) competitions. Best HS experience I could have asked for, and prepared me for the rest of life.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸God Bless these Young Americans & God Bless Mike Rowe🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I went to and graduated from Vo-tech in 1990. I’m a cabinet maker and still am today. It’s all I’ve done since school. I was lucky where I live in the 90’s there was plenty of building going on. I’ve been through a lot of shops built all kinds of things. I’m working at the place I was at for co-op in my senior year. Things got slow at this shop and I was able to go to other shops. The best thing for me was learning from the old guys. Now I’m the old guy. Lol. I completely agree that not everyone is meant for college. Going to Vo-tech was the best move for me. It’s satisfying when you get to stand back and say I built that.
I worked offshore projects about 10 years ago. The welders were all making $250K - $350K per year. And there was hundreds of them on any given project.
If you make $250K a year, you'll have set yourself up for life after only a few years, then you can pursue whatever you want.
I competed in the Skills USA nationals about 25 years ago for industrial electric and motor control. Took second place in that very hall in Kansas City! It was an amazing experience and my electrical training that got me there got me into my industrial maintenance career and still love it.
I love Mike Rowe. I went to college to get a finance degree. There are very few degrees that are worth paying money for, im glad I got mine. But now I work as an Analyst for a construction company. For every one analyst, there are a 100 skilled craft guys on site. My favorite part of the days are the concrete guys teaching me compaction tests, the welders showing me the proper way to set a bead, and the substation guys teaching me how to terminate wires.
You are such a Good Man who truly has compassion for the human being apart of the greater whole. Blessings Brother. Keep up the Good Work. God's work.
My heart is warmed watching this. Thank you so much. It gives me hope for this country.
I am extremely proud to say that my husband was not only an electrician, but also became the director of the electrical wiring department at Wake Tech Community College in North Carolina. Not only has he inspired many young men and women to become electricians, but he also inspired his son, who is now an electrician with his own company. Let’s hear it for vocational workers!!!
Hey so i'm turning 33 this year in August, I was in the Travel tourism industry and when Covid hit i lost my job and did nothing for almost 2 years... made me rethink my career and felt like i completely wasted my time/money in college (still feel that way). I'm currently Working for a pharmacy factory at the moment it pays the bills but been thinking about going back to school for a skilll trade program because if i ever lose my job atleast i have a skill that i can use as a side hustle or start my own business with. I've been making a list of what Skill trade i'm interested in and which i think best suits me... i'm not physically strong and I have chronic lung disease (really bad asthma) looking into HVAC,Plumbing and Electrican... i'm also interested in welding but because of my asthma i dont think its a good idea... i guess my question is how hard is it to learn Electrican for someone who knows nothing about it and how hard is it compare to other trade skills? thanks!
Out of all the trades you mentioned plumbing is the easiest and electrical the hardest. Electrical is hard but doable. You could start as a helper with a company and learn as you go or you could go to school at a community college. You could also get into an apprenticeship program. That would allow you to work and take classes at the same time.
Interesting i was told Plumbing is hard because there is lots of heavy lifting, thank you for geting back to me.@@ninamoore7084
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Mike Rowe!!!
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This is just Great. I just wish there was something like this when I was in school. ( 60+ years ago ) You go Mike !!!!!!
This is fabulous....I love to see skilled people at work, they keep the country running
Mike Rowe is all around America!!! Think he should run for president. Would definitely support the working man.
I went to school for manufacturing over 20 years ago. I have been a machinist most of those years and now more programming. It's been an awesome and fulfilling career and have never had an issue finding a job. For those that like creativity and technology, machining is a great choice 🇺🇸💯
Mike Rowe us as real as they get. He appreciates everyone and admires those who work hard. He is as enamored with them as they are star struck by him.
My brother participated in college with SkillsUSA. Proud of him , by the way he also got a scholarship. Great video Mike !
EVERYONE LOVES MIKE ROWE
I remember placing in State VICA contests in early 80s. Welding and Auto Mechanics.👍🇺🇸
I was in the bar business for 25 years, from 15-40. Made millions slingin drinks. Still, nothing compares to tiling out a gorgeous bathroom or building something someone thought was impossible. You can make a damn fine living working with your hands. Thanks for all you do Mike; you’re a real one.
As a fister in pornography I agree.
These knuckles make serious wages
Great stuff, Mike, thanks for bringing it to everybody's attention.
Been an optical repair technician 40 years. Microscopes,Telescopes, Binoculars, Sextants, Azimuth Circles, including weather instruments and anything else with Optics in it.
Antique to modern day
No where to go but up at this point. Thank you Mike. One of our very best Americans.
My son just graduated from technical school, I couldn't be more proud of excited for his future!
This is amazing as a red seal certified journeyman as an auto mechanic and I did compete in Skills Canada more than a decade ago but it is nice to see some appreciation of skilled trade work.
Rowe is a real American hero--in many ways. 🙏
I did Skills in highschool! Lots of fun! Didn’t really understand how important it was at the time, lol wish I could turn back time
Between the Marine Corps and my current profession ... (23 years and counting) Correctional Detention Officer, I was a glazier.
I was hired with no experience by a man with his own company and who encouraged learning the trade. When I left to do what I currently do, I could do home, auto and commercial. That included going over the sides of buildings to install glass. Spent five years doing that in the mid nineties. I still have my tools.
I wish I had known about all of this when I was coming out of High School. While I have done okay for myself, I think I'd would have been happier in a Trade field rather than the path I ended up taking.
28 year old machinist here, love the video and i am glad skills USA is still as big as it was when I was in school!
Good on you Mike rowe. I built my entire life with an education in carpentry. Building houses for other people taught me to buy houses. But I couldn’t have done any of it without learning how sink a 16 penny nail with 1 swing set and swing.
That will teach you a lot about focus and a lot about determination and the pursuit of perfection, and if you want to go crazy I know guys that will race a nail gun.
Savages in the best way possible.
Shoot, im currently learning welding through a job i just got on to. I love it, too.
Thank you for sharing this great event. And congratulations on carrying the torch!
Been a certified welder since 1976 got into the operating engineers Union in 1976 have worked every since then never missed a day averaged over $140,000 a year with full benefits people are always asking me to go work at their company but I apply myself I have went to the training site and learn to do many things run heavy equipment repair welder in a good welder makes a difference
God bless you for bring the truth about education to the fore front of America.
I joined the Air Force at 20 …..then took my GI bill and went to trade school.
Worked hard and learned everything about the HVAC trade I could and kept advancing.
I’ve worked Union and Non-Union but… I WORKED.
At 57 am in a management position of a very large HVAC company making six figures a year with great benefits and getting close to a good retirement.
I have two daughters that went to a four year college and we worked together to keep there student loans down to the about the amount of a decent used care and they are doing well in the Educational and Medical profession.
Trade Schools and Colleges both have their place but……a young person needs to know there are two paths to success in the country……even more sometimes!
Everyone is hurting for good tradesmen. We need so many o keep this country going.😊
These young ladies & men are the future of the USA, we will always need the skilled trades people
In the early 70s, half the year was wood shop ,2nd was metal. In high school. My favorite class…thanks mike