Have you considered a trade for work, here are a few reason why you should.

SSG Ricardo Marcial — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 15:08:31 -0400

Each year, construction companies look for more and more people with skills in carpentry, electrician, painter, masonry, every trade and each year there are less people with these skills. While IT is marketable, the number of IT students continues to grow, more and more people are getting into IT, and these trade jobs can in some areas of the country pay you more than your average IT job.

There is something about having built something with your hands, but it takes training and the right tools, no not the Craftsman tools in your dad's mechanic set but the skills and know-how to do it. Considering a trade for a future job is a path that should be looking at.

http://www.careerealism.com/work-trade-reasons/

Top 5 Reasons You Should Work In A Trade | CAREEREALISM

Find out the five reasons why careers in the trades are some of the best career paths to be focused on right now, both in terms of income and job security.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 8 at 2015 3:13 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 15:13:21 -0400

It's good for those who don't want to go to college. Plumbers and electricians make good money

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Sep 8 at 2015 3:13 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 15:13:42 -0400

Thanks for sharing. Not enough people going int the the trades. They are badly needed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 3:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 15:13:52 -0400

The problem with the trade, and the current economy, it can be difficult to get contracts. It also depends in what area you reside, for example, DC is booming on house sales, there you can find plenty of contracts, so are other areas, but if it is not really booming in your area you can end up in a bad place. Do your homework, and find the statistics, as well as those veterans associations, and AL's, VFW's, VA centers. You can also, if you decide to work for your own, get part time help with some disabled veterans (stuff that they can do, for example some can paint). Look up DAV, and all those veterans associations.

Good luck in your search

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 3:25 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 15:25:30 -0400

One of the great benefits of learning a trade is that it is much easier to establish a small business once you get some experience under your belt. You see more small business in trade fields then any other area. The military established a program in 90s to help service members earn civilian apprenticeship experience while on active duty to give you a head start. I had many of my electricians working on there qualifications. Leader should be encouraging their junior enlisted to be taking advantage of this program.
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) https://usmap.cnet.navy.mil/usmapss/static/usmap.jsp

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Sep 8 at 2015 4:34 PM

MAJ Jim Steven — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 16:34:39 -0400

I already have a Bachelor and Master's and dont use them directly.
I think I am going to Post 9/11 in a trade, at least learn how to actually do something, other than "manage"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 7:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 19:17:31 -0400

I love that emphasis on tradework is making a comeback! Long before I was adopted by ol' Uncle Sam, I started a small framing & roofing crew. It's some of the most satisfying work I've ever done!

As for transition Ed and options... (Thinking small business & startup) does anyone have much information on the Vocational Rehab Program? I have a lot of advice to look into it, but nobody seems to have much knowledge on it around good old Fort Puke... I mean Polk.

TM,

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Sep 8 at 2015 11:11 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 23:11:58 -0400

This is actually a great post! I remember reading somewhere that since the baby boomers are getting ready to retire, there is no one trained to replace them.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Sep 10 at 2015 12:30 PM

SrA David Steyer — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:30:00 -0400

I would LOVE to learn a trade, but there is a small number of vocational schools, or maybe it is my area.