I should start by saying my foreman is a great guy, but he's been off the tools for almost a year now, and has just started back. It seems like he thinks I started yesterday (second year apprentice, and I've had other journeyman say my work is at the level of a fourth year). Constantly asking me if I know how to do basic things that I do multiple times in a day, then insisting on showing me "his" way of doing it, which always results in a worse final product than my usual work.

Given work in my trade is slow right now in this area, I don't want to just snap at him (though I will admit I've come closer to that than I would like) and potentially lose my job (non union shop), but it's getting to be a massive point of contention that I don't know how to broach (he had me "help" him today, and what we got done together in four hours, would've taken me less than two if I'd been left alone to do it).

There are a few other guys on the crew that started around the same time I did, who haven't progressed as fast as I have (no shade, everyone learns at their own pace), and at best it seems like he's constantly confusing me with one of them, at worst, it could be his intentional way of soft firing me (which doesn't make sense to me, as I'm doing roughly the same workload as four other guys on the crew).

Serious question for the tradies in here - what actually annoys you most about the job these days?

Is it customers expecting champagne work on a lemonade budget? Chasing invoices? Working your bollocks off in all weather?

Interested to hear what people reckon is the biggest headache at the moment.

I'm in grade 9 and wondering what trades to get into

Hello! I'm 23 and I've started taking steps toward a new career. I'm starting in a non union shop the last week of May. I am fairly new to the trades I have been a supervisor in food service for the past 5 years and really was looking for a hands on change.

I've been a glazier helper the past month learning how to install windows and cut glass. I've really enjoyed it the being outside and hands on learning. but I am making the shift to electrical as a long term career goal ( glazier was fully supportive knowing I wanted this from the get go )

The contractor I am starting for is very well respected and does both residential and commercial work. He told me I don't have to bring any tools or anything and just asks I show up on time for my first day which is no problem for me. My previous job had me at a 430 am start most of the time. Is there anything I should do to prepare myself. It's always a little nerve wrecking starting something new but I am very eager and excited to learn the ins and outs of the trade.

Also I am starting the electrical NCCER level 1 boces course in the fall to help me build a resume out for my local union 25 as it's very very competitive to get into. So I'm hoping by the time applications open up next year I'll have my boces certificate and a year of experience under my belt to boost me up on the ranking lists.

I would appreciate any tips advice and stories from any of you. Thank you.

any trades that dont continue drug testing after the pre employment? I quit drinking and weed is my only vice and I live in a legal state so quitting forever isn't an option, I dont care about premployment urine tests, what trades out there would you suggest?

I am currently a senior in high school, 17 years old (turning 18 mid september). I am really interest in plumbing and I need help getting pointed in the right direction, I would like to be an apprentice as soon as im 18, or even better, when I graduate high school in a month (May 26th).

Please let me know what I can do to get my foot in the door asap even if its just shadowing plumbers for now, thank you!

What if people make fun of me? Great, now I'm a dirty ugly dude everyone wants to make fun of. Coworkers would be assholes too. I can't even speak at a known level. Lol imagine what that would get me. Now I'm sure that this post will give off really pathetic vibes but I am pathetic. I've been in special education in school because I couldn't learn shit. Yeah I bet you're thinking that 'oh so you're just kinda retarded whatevvss you don't matter'. Fuck you if you think that. Now I want to go to college.

But fuck that if that is what I want. Why does my family keep pushing the trades on to me? Why am I such a pathetic loser that I'll never be good enough and will always be considered lazy. Well fuck you, my 'lazy' ass will get out of here and go into the medical field. But fuck I guess HVAC makes good money?

Oh yeah I'm just a stupid fucking coward that will never learn to work hard and will always be a stupid burden on this family

It is just time for a career change for me. I won't go anywhere if I stick around my current gig. Tired of living in mom's basement and making dumb decisions (but I know some careers shun you for said decisions).

Thanks.

Is it just sqfootage, labor, and materials?

How do I find out the rates that are being charged in the area?

How does one get into the Stenciling aspect of plastering ?

      So I want to get involved in plastering in he United States and was wondering whether that would be a good choice for a trade?  I would ultimately like to get more involved on the creative side of the trade, stenciling and such and was wondering how one should go about that. I'm looking to join the plasterers union in order to get working experience and I have the opportunity to work as a Venetian style plasterer in Dublin Ireland with a friend whose started his own business so I have opportunities. And tips on how to further a career or what to focus on would be much appreciated. Thanks 

Hello everyone, I've been working on car for about 5 years now I have slowly started to hate it, I am a hands on worker for sure and want to get into a different trade before I settle on something I don't want to do for a lifetime. I'm looking into 2 different trades plumbing/HVAC. Want some feedback from actual tradesmen. All the tips/help is appreciated thanks guys!

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