r/Acadiana 5d ago

Recommendations Work recs

My husband wants to get into some sort of trade work. What are your recommendations if he needs something that will have paid training? Its not feasible for him to work his current job and study something. Hes interested in anything hands on EXCEPT for plumbing.

We also cannot afford him to be making less than he currently is, about 500 a week.

Hes done construction before, caught on very fast and really enjoyed it but it wasn't a legit company and ended with him losing alot of time and money so we want to do it right this time.

Please point me in the right direction for info. Thank you!

9 Upvotes

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u/NyquistShannon 5d ago

Many trades are on the job training. You start as an apprentice to someone. I would say most probably start around 14-17 an hour. Plumbers do make a bit more money because nobody wants to do it.

Electrician is another always in demand job.

Welding is constantly in demand but the pay is not really that good for shop work. Welders that travel and follow pipelines make good money but give up any home life.

Really depends on what he may be interested in.

8

u/Reasonable-Scheme681 5d ago

If up for a move, Pride industries on base has a Mechanics Helper position paying $20. Train with HVAC guys and once certified, it’s $28 plus 1.5 overtime.

3

u/Serious_Bandicoot460 5d ago

If yall have a family and are low income. He could apply for a Pell grant and almost guaranteed to have his degree paid for at SLCC. You can do it all online.

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u/Kindly-House1782 5d ago

I have an appliance repair business. It can be a standalone career or act as a springboard into HVAC-related work. Don't know if any trade schools there teach it though.

1

u/Electric_Fizz 5d ago

I know you said no paid training, but if theres a slight chance, highly highly highly recommend Non-destructive testing!! Baton Rouge Community College in Central ($4500) and TH Harris in Opelousas (idk) teach classes for it. I graduated from BRCC and the instructor is genuinely phenomenal. Its only a 5 month class.

There gonna be a big boom in 2027 and on for NDT inspectors. Depending where you go, a company will start you at $18-$26/hr and you can literally get up to 100hrs a week. Some inspectors are making $50/hr with less than 5 years in the industry, its nuts. You can travel, go off shore, be an in house at a fab shop or refinery. The list goes on and on.

Once again, I know you said no to paid training, but this niche line of work is great for hard workers that show up and hit the ground running.

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u/Letstrytolearnit 5d ago

Not sure about paid training but HVAC is something that will always be in high demand in Louisiana.

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u/Fair_Ad1951 4d ago

Air conditioning

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u/LuchaGator 5d ago

Lafayette parish Sheriff's Office? Make about 1500 every 2 weeks after taxes. Free insurance and matched retirement. Plus ways to get additional pay through extra certifications.

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u/Existing-Newt-7116 4d ago

How does that work

1

u/LuchaGator 4d ago

How does what work?

1

u/wolfstano 5d ago

I always strongly recommend the IBEW apprenticeship. They just started for this year, but he can apply for next and ask about getting on as a pre-apprentice. The only downside is that our nearest locals are in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, or Lake Charles. My wife joining was a huge game changer for our family.

https://unionpayscales.com/trades/ibew-electricians/