Need college/career advice for Jr. Critter

[Miss Critter]

Jr.'s a junior this year, so we're thinking about majors and careers. Well, I am, anyway. Jr. is not what one would call a "motivated" student; he doesn't like studying, but he does like doing. He's got a talent for the mechanical. He built a welder from old microwave capacitors (saw a video on youtube), then repaired his friend's bike with it. He made a motorized scooter using an old weedeater engine. Built a replica of the Andrea Gail (from The Perfect Storm) from popsicle sticks without drawings, then waterproofed it and added a motor from one of his r/c boats, and the dang thing works perfectly. He's obviously skilled, but for what exactly? Engineering requires more commitment to studies than he currently possesses. What type of hands-on training would prepare him for good career? Or provide a bridge to possibly studying engineering in the future?

Your ideas are greatly appreciated.

 

[sunspotbaby]

My Daddy always said 'you need to learn a trade'. He was a welder for 40 years and made very good money. Maybe at this age, your son would be better suited for trade school to learn how to do something to make money. Then when he figures out he wants to further that, he can make a better informed decision and be more focused about higher education.

 

[beachmouse]

Engineering technology's a 2 year community college/tech school program. Some info on the field:

Engineering Technicians

 

[Miss Critter]

Thank you both for your input.

SSB, my daddy made a very nice living as a certified aircraft mechanic for an oil company; plus had his own business as a swimming pool contractor on the side, so I agree wholeheartedly. My son seems to have inherited his aptitude for all things mechanical.

Beachmouse, thanks for the link. I was unaware of the engineering technology program. Sounds like a good fit.

 

[scooterbug44]

Industrial design might be a good fit for someone with his creativity - but it's not for slackers either.

Scooterbro is exactly the same way - very bright and creative outside the classroom, but not a good student unless he is interested in the subject (and with no use for the BS of busy work and required classes).

I think an apprenticeship, job, or 2 year community college program might be a good idea to help him figure stuff out or get motivated.

I had no freaking clue what I wanted to major in - quite common, which is why my college actually forbid students to choose a major before the end of their sophomore year.

 

[SHELLY]

Have you asked Jr. what kind of career he'd like?

.

 

[KISH7374]

Do I hear the music from Risky Business playing in the background???

 

[Miss Critter]

Have you asked Jr. what kind of career he'd like?

.

Yes, but I'm unaware of any schools with a "lotter winner" curriculum. Seriously, he knows what he likes, but is unsure as to how to translate it into a career, mainly because he doesn't know what's out there. (Neither do I, obviously.) I'm hoping for something to pique his interest and give him something to aim toward.

SB, I'm thinking the two-year program or trade school is his best bet after high school. He sounds a lot like your brother. Lord knows I didn't know what I wanted to be as a college freshman (still don't, truth be told), but still managed to get my undergraduate degree in only five short years.

 

[Matt J]

Trade school may be the way to go. He doesn't even have to stop at one degree, based on the description above it sounds like he'd have a blast in auto-mechanics, welding, and small engine repair.

Whatever you do, don't go the route of some expensive goofy private trade school ala ITT Tech. The local trade schools are just as good and in many cases more effective. Not sure about ones to the West, but Haney Technical in Bay County has a variety of programs.

If he thinks engineering might be for him have him take the electronics class at Haney. If he likes he, he just needs to make the decision that 100 times the work and about 5 years will get him a licensed degree.

 

[Miss Critter]

If he thinks engineering might be for him have him take the electronics class at Haney. If he likes he, he just needs to make the decision that 100 times the work [That'll scare him off, for sure!] and about 5 years will get him a licensed degree.

We looked at the auto mechanics program offered through the school system, but since we didn't know about it until late last year, he'd have been starting late. Also, he wasn't crazy about the 30+ mile bus ride each way, and not participating in afternoon goings on at SWHS. Thanks for the advice about ITT, SWGB. I will check out Haney in Bay.