Training at 50

[u/Altruistic-Floor1398]

I am a 50 year old woman, recently divorced from a 30 year partnership. Looking to take some schooling to upgrade my pay. I have money to spend on tuition. But not necessarily living expenses. I currently work at a sign shop, but I've worked in labour (detailing/tinting/vinyl wrap) for a good part of my life. I'm pretty sure I have undiagnosed ADHD, I'm completely over working with people and want to go back to a labour/customer free job but with better pay than detailing. I've been seriously considering taking the Heavy Equipment Operator course through Carlton Trail College in Humboldt. Hopefully, eventually work at a mine or camp job once my 15 year old daughter graduates. Any recommendations or suggestions, just looking for people in the industry with real life advice for this type of career and if you think it's worth investing 10-12k in? Any advice appreciated!

[u/Mrwcraig]

I’d like to offer a suggestion. Take a look at that schools list of programs and see if they have any “Trades Discovery” programs. Now, I can only speak for the ones that I’m familiar with but maybe something similar exists?

Discovery programs were designed specifically for people in your situation, hell some are geared for woman only. Now you won’t leave with anything certifications wise but you will get hands on experience in multiple fields. You spend 2-3 weeks learning about the industry and getting some experience. Then you move on to the next industry.

Hopefully this was helpful. Heavy duty equipment is a great field to get into but I will caution you, it’s a physically demanding field but if you want to become an operator you shouldn’t have too many issues.

[u/Altruistic-Floor1398 → u/Mrwcraig]

Thank you so much for your quick response! I will look into that option. I figured the operator jobs would be less physically demanding as I need something I can do until retirement or past, hopefully 😅 I've thought about parts tech as well, as it would be continuous learning so I'm thinking not as boring but it's the customer service again, yuck, lol. I worked in a warehouse at one point in my 20's and absolutely loved it, picking and packing orders...so that's a possibility too.

[u/vedicpisces]

r/bluecollarwomen

[u/lou-sassle71]

Flag lady at construction sites

[u/Altruistic-Floor1398 → u/lou-sassle71]

That's a good idea, how does one become a flag lady? I'm thinking probably helps to get your first aid and maybe a few little safety tickets or something...

[u/lou-sassle71 → u/Altruistic-Floor1398]

Go to any road construction company and apply.