Shop apprentice query...

[Ray Parisio]

This is for any and all who would browse my question.In this day and age without a proper degree of some sort,the days of hanging around a boneyard with a thirst for knowledge is few and far between. Depending on your' geographical locale,you could be chasing yet another pipe dream. My question is this. I've grown up around cars and bikes my whole life,with that I've always had a desire to learn the trade,however money was always a problem. You see I've always had to hold down a steady job,no matter what,to survive on my own and never could really afford a trade school degree or the chance to go out of state for training at a reputible school.As it stands now,I've been laid off from my job and I'm staring down the barrel of 30 years old.How do I get started? Where do I go? Is there still a shred of hope?Or am I simply too old?-Any info sent back would seriously be a big help to me.Thanks all are understanding.I live for retro-rods,chopped ol' outlaw bikes and pure V8 roar,I want to contribute to the dimming light of extinction.How can I help. I will do anything.

[Ray Parisio]

Well Streets all I have to say is,one,thanks for your advice and two,I will do all I can to achieve what it is that I want.I know it will be a hard enough goal to achieve.Hell,everything that I've done thus far in my life has met obstacles that I've tried to overcome.So,I will take that and use it to my benefit, I just hope that I can achieve what it is that I was meant to do. Thanks again.Keep rodding...Ray

[Bob Parmenter]

Ray, there's only one thing standing in your way of achieving whatever you really want. That would be the limitations you put upon yourself. Many of us have started new careers at ages later than yours and have lived to tell about it. Lots of people, some of whom will be the ones that tell you that you can't succeed without a formal education, or a bank account full of money, or any one of a hundred other excuses, will poo poo the notion. But you can, and will, achieve any level of success you BELIEVE you can. Easier said than done, but doable none the less. The most successful, and well off, people in this country got there by believing in themselves and proving their worth. And there is the key....................you will be rewarded for the value you contribute, not the time.

[Ronnie]

It is never too late. Forget about how old you are and quit looking to the past - look to the future. You have probably heard it before, but I think a good way to look at it is that "Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life." Pursue what you want and what will make you happy. I know what you mean about not have the shop knowledge - I have thought about doing the same thing; however, contrary to your situation I am almost to retirement and want to pursue the same thing you do.

[Dave Severson]

Nothing new to say, the only limitations we have are those we place on ourselves. If you want to go to school, go. I went on student loans and part time jobs. If you want to be a builder, ask questions, study, hang out with a good builder and work for free just to gain the knowledge if you have to.