Attention Machinists!! Need Advice

[fenris69]

So... got a dilemma only an experienced machinist can help me with. I'm looking to become a machinist, maybe tool & die, but I'm really not sure what path I should take. My options are as follows:

1. Look for someone to take on an unskilled apprentice, take schooling part time in the evenings as I go along, im really not sure how eager employers are, the local gov trades office was absolutely useless for info, and I've been unable to contact the union.

2. Save up some cash, wait till next fall and get into a 2yr program covering everything, general machinist, tool&die, moulds, cnc etc... this would credit me with 2500hrs as well I believe.

3. Work full time, take evening courses one at a time over the next couple years to gain the necessary skills...not sure if this would count towards apprenticeship hours served however..bonus this way is I'd be earning a lot more money than as an apprentice.

Or, any other ideas?? I'm in canada btw just moved to toronto, so may be different but any advice you could impart would be extremely helpful. Thanks!

[OfficerGoat]

Personaly I think option 3 is your best bet. Nobody running a shop is going to look for a degree... most folks when they hire aprentices look for at least some sort of mechanical ability. The other thing is that taking the classes means that you can dip your toes in without embarking on a carer.

Couple of other classes to do would include welding and drafting. It will give you a far better understanding of the big picture as well as the ability to fabricate, which means there are more jobs out there that you can take. The fact that I can TIG weld got me more Machinist positions than any other skill... shops like having folks who can handle other positions when someone is sick etc.

Anyhow.. if you have any specific questions feel free to IM me.. I used to be a welder/fabricator/machinist in a previous life.

[OfficerGoat]

Ohhh .. btw.. you can take a couple of classes at a time. Most community colleges offer both welding and machining classes at night. So figure 2 nights for each....

[fenris69]

yeah, was looking at that possibility... even so far as taking welding first in january through to fall then using monies saved for a 2yr program. so you're suggesting I not go looking for an apprenticeship just yet then? spend a year training and looking? might be the thing to do... I'm quite certain this is something I'm going to do wether it turns into a lifelong career or not, but I'll give the local college a call see what they have to offer in night classes. thanks for your advice!

edit: upon checking just now I find they do offer welding and drafting on alternating days vs machining. So... that's a solid plan, and includes something I wouldn't get in the normal machinist programs... not to mention itd fill up time waiting for next fall and make me more attractive to prospective machine shops. thanks again for the excellent advice.

[OfficerGoat]

Glad I could be helpfull... like I said.. any questions feel free to ask.

BTW.. this is the sorta stuff I used to make....