I'm currently a software tester and have been one for about 5 years now. I have grown very tired of office/computer work. I really enjoy doing construction; especially interior work like painting or ceramic tiling. I helped my father before he retired doing lots of different interior as well as exterior construction-type work but I wouldn't classify myself as an expert. I have a family and make in the mid-40's per year but I would risk walking away from my computer job if I could take a construction job that paid fairly close to my current salary. I just can't risk my income for a chance at a construction position unless it was close to my current income and worthwhile. I know that may sound strange but I hold the responsibility of a decent income to my family of high importance. Here's my question: What are the chances of anyone hiring a "willing to learn" hard-working, dedicated, construction apprentice, close to my current salary? I would say in all I have more than 10 years experience but it hasn't been every day on the job experience. My experience has been mostly 3-4 projects per year - sometimes more and sometimes less. Any information or insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

Nobody will "train" you a $20.00 + an hour when they can hire Experienced, Licenced, construction workers for about the same $$

The "trainees" typically make $10.00 an hour or so.

All wages depend GREATLY on area !!!!

You will have to take a hit to move to construction, plain and simple

Construction workers just don't make the $$$ that IT workers do


Best thing to do is maybe get a part-time job doing construction then get your licence, at least you will be getting $15.00 hr or so.

The whole thing is most ppl live to the absolute maximum thier salary will support so ANY cut in income hurts

 

Any job has a starting pay range. Chances are, a "willing-to-learn" finish carpenter will not start out at the wage you are needing. Even if you lived in a big city, joined a carpenters union, & worked really hard, you would still start out at apprentice wages. Here is a thought, though. Maybe if you know someone else, (or a few someone elses), who have the same interests, (and hopefully some experience), you could put ads in the local newspapers, and take on some side jobs? These types of jobs would give you some experience without the pressures of a foreman standing over you, as well as some time to figure out if this is really what you want. You dont have to just competely give up your job & jump into a new one, without testing the waters & seeing what it's all about.
Good Luck. T-Windy

 

Heres an idea. Find a someone in the trades who works on weekends as well. Ask if you can help him on weekends for for cheap.

After all, if you really enjoy this type of work you will have fun and make money at the same time. Sure it might get a little stressful working 7 days a week. but this way you can test the waters, with little risk to your income.

Or maybe try to find a way to work at home in the IT sector (and do that work at night (or weekends).


either way, good luck.