Good Union career in the building trades for 20 yr old to study for ?

I'm gonna say machinist. Preferably something like. 
 

https://www.plantengineering.com/articles/a-return-to-apprenticeships-delivers-skilled-workers-to-pratt-whitney/

californiamilleghia said:

I think it  needs to be Union because of all the State , Federal and local projects that require Union,

As a Federal Acquisition workforce member for over 10 years, I have never had a real property construction contract require Union workforce. 

I have not had a project in California though. It was actually a question from OMB a 3-4 years ago. How many of our construction contracts require workforce contract terms? My agency replied "None." My understanding is that only HUGE projects that will last many years, Hoover Dam, Panama Canal, BRAC, etc need that contractual mechanism, and that still doesn't require a Union, just requires the Prime contact awardee can document a stable source of workers.

My grandfather was a union electrician in NYC and had a really nice career and a comfortable retirement (big RVs, nice home in a FL retirement community).   I'm not sure it's such a great deal anymore.  His takeaway was that Union jobs ensured everyone on the site was adequately trained, insured, & working safely.  Union jobs were more expensive for a reason. 

I don't work in the trades, but my electrician is a coold due and I know the cost when I need him for a few hours of work.  As far as building trades go...I'd recommend young people to work for someone else until you perfect your trade.  Once you're experienced go and work for yourself.  If you've got a knack for business hire a crew, then another, then another.    Electrician, HVAC, plumbing, etc. Those guys earn more than most management/director level corporate gigs.

One of my cousins was trained as a diesel/heavy equipment mechanic.  Once he had a few years experience he moved to a more rural area and does forklife/warehouse equipment repairs.   He typically drives a bit between  jobs, but gets paid for the time.  I think he's doing pretty well, especially with the cost of living out in the stix.  

On the original topic, I 10th the electrician route if they want to do physical labor. If the projects start as mostly residential, there should be a good bit of electrical work. 

Other ideas would be:

1. Special inspections, (TTL and S&ME)
2. Hiring into the Government itself as a wage grade
3. BAS for commercial/industrial
4. Site work equipment operator
5. HVAC Mechanical Systems

What are the kid's interests and aptitude? It's fine to suggest something, but it has to be a good fit for his interests and skills or it won't last.

I would get trained in a mix personally.

My nephews aren't that interested in the traditional college route. So we are looking at electrician, LV, and building automation. With those 3, there is so much work that they will be able to make as much as they want to with plenty of job security. As others mentioned, there is also a lot of variety. It also allows them to be the most valuable person in the data center team. 

But I would agree that you really want to match to his skills and interests. Provide a mix of the jobs and what they do. 

I know a guy who is an elevator technician. He loves his job, and it's not something that is on the radar for a lot of people. He makes a lot of money and when you think about it, elevators are going to be a hot commodity going forward as cities and towns densify.

bearmtnmartin (Forum Supporter) said:

I know a guy who is an elevator technician.

How's business?  
 

Up and down.  

Sorry, I had to.

Thanks everyone , I am not going to even try and tell him what to do , 

I am just trying to give him some ideas of what's out there ,  and have him go talk to the Career counselor at the local Jr College.

He seems like a good kid ,  but without a real direction ,  he is young enough he can try a few trades and see if he likes any of them , 

Maybe he will decide that working at the grocery store is what he wants to do ,  who knows .....

As far as Union job , from what I understand the  homeless housing in LosAngeles is paid for by a sales tax that was voted on a couple years ago , and part of that was it had to be Union labor.

Now a longtime friend did new construction plumbing , he was union , but all the "helpers" were not and that was OK ......

Anyway glad to hear any of your ideas......

Thanks

Hi , 

well a little update , it ends up that my friends wife works at the Electricians Union Hall  :)

So  the kid  talked to her and got the  info that he needs and the name of the Local Union hall guy who she worked with before , 

So the Kid is going to meet with the local guy and probably get a job , 

Its 5 years working until you are fully vetted ( if that is what its called)

So he is very excited ,  we will see how it works out  , 

Starting pay is  $16 an hour ( I think) which is basically minimum in California , but every 3 months he gets a raise , topping out at over $50 an hour . Plus he gets training  , 

Any other questions he needs to ask ?

Thanks for all your help , it feels good to be able to help him have a chance for a good career , now its up to him :)