courses or anything?

[foomoo]

Hey guys sorry to ask dumb questions but i really need some advice....

I am sixteen, almost 17 and I cant stand school, I just like hands on work, such as engines and body repair etc, I have a feeling I wont get my High School, cause I am soooo far behind, my mom tells me there is Engine Courses and stuff i can take and if i worked hard enough i could get some courses and use them to my advantage and open a shop...

I am buying a SST60 this summer and i own a CSH and it will be my baby and Im going to learn about it more, Im not to familiar with boat engines as I am 2 stroke dirtbike engines but im willing to learn, what should i do, is there any courses i can take, which will be a good outcome and good to put on resume, like MMI for motorcycles u can be 15 and get a Degree in it , anyone have any info on anything that can help me out

sorry for bothering you guys, i just gotta start thinking..

also is boat building a good career if u get good at it, like the small boats and the SST series or F1 etc.....

[Merc55H]

Hey Foomoo,

There are courses that you can take for practically any vocation you want. You really do need high school though. The problem in not having high school is even though you're a good guy and would be a good employee, a lot of places won't even give you the chance to get your foot in the door. Even the military will not take you anymore. The fact of life is that as technology marches on, employers demand more in the way of education. Opening your own shop is fine, but unless you have really good skills and can offer good quality work you won't stay in business for long. And that goes for cars, boats whatever. As much as you hate it tough it out, education isn't your enemy, you not getting an education is the real enemy. I know you are going to point to guys who don't have an education who have made it and I won't deny for a minute that a guy can make it without an education but for everyone who has made it there are more who haven't. Stick it out , tough it out.

About your CSH/SST60,,, not the best plan. You'll need a bigger boat, too much power and too much weight for the CSH. One of the members here, Alan Akerson has an SST60 powered hydro. He's a good guy, contact him and get his advice about the project and his boat. He's been there, done that. He's a real craftsman too, check out the 9" merc midsection post in the buy and sell forum, a thing of beauty.

Good Luck

[foomoo]

I totally understand but i just cant do it, ive had problems with school since ive been in grade 7 , you dont even know, Ive been in Jail Twice for Truency even!, i just cant do it, i know u arent concellors in here and i feel bad for asking you guys questions about this but i dont know what to do, whatever i wanna do it has to be around fabercation or engines .....i dunno, im currently working on schoolwork from home but im 2 years behind, i would of graduated June of 2005 but now if i even did it would be 2007 and i dont think i could even do it so im trying to look for some courses or something like making boats even.....if i met someone that is a good carpenter maybe get hired as a apprentice or even just help him for free and learn to make boats and then do it myself, is there really any money into boat building. anyways sorry for wasting your time

have a good night

[RONUS]

FooMoo,

I can't agree more with Ed.
Stick it out and try to change your attitude about school.
Most everyone has to do something that they don't like. If you give up on yourself you will continue to give uo on yourself the rest of your life. Use your passion for motors to help you get through your hatred of school. Once you get over this hurdle you'll see you can accomplish anything.
Good Luck

Dave

[crankbearing]

Hey Foomoo,

I wanted to help shed a little light on my own situation and hopefully you can take some of it with you. As a boat racer you are part of a big family, and we help any way we can.

I left high school at grade 11, because I too was in love with cars, boats, bikes, sleds. I was already a Mercury Technician at that point. So a bad class with a french teacher and it was all over. Big Mistake on my part. I live in Ottawa, Canada. A government town and the only real steady job in this market even if you wanted to work as a mechanic or a janitor in Ottawa, they will glance over you without a grade 12 and to not speak french in Ottawa is a sin. They do not even give you the chance to learn it now, you have to know it from day one.

I proceeded, to get my class A automotive trade through much hard work, I had to write a high school equivilancy test just to get into the apprenticeship program! Talk about feeling singled out. I got my certificate and I worked for a GM dealer, until one day after 12 years in the trade. I was pulling a motor from a 86 Cadi and twisted something the wrong way and I pinched a nerve in my lower back and that was it.

Now what! Cannot get a job without high school, cannot sit in school, because I hate it! Computers are the in thing so I teach myself Microsofts (MCSE) and IBM's (lotus notes) but still cannott get a job in that field becuase I did not complete high school and I did not take the courses in a certified classroom, therefore no validity in my accreditations.

My friend, I too remember all the people telling me to stay in school and I shrugged it off and turned a blind eye. Listen to me! I sound like my grandfather. If I had it to do over, I would have bit my tounge and swallowed my pride and stayed in school.

Anything can happen in life's paths and although one things looks like it will be forever, there is something that can always change it and then, what! Summer School, extra credits, whatever! Change schools if you do not like the one your in, find a shop program at school. Take all trade courses if you can do it. But please my friend if anything at all fight the urge to leave and stay in school it will be the best thing you ever did.

Regards,

[alanaker]

Foomoo; I agree with all the guys saying that staying in school right now is very important. Don't worry right now about your hydro and motors, plenty of time for that later. Maybe you and your mom could see the school guidance councilor and get you fixed up with a tutor. You really do need to tough it out and finish high school as a minimum, beyond that would be great...Life will be much more difficult for you if you don't finish. Alan Akerstrom

[Jack Stotts]

The most important thing in any persons life as far as future well being is education. One needs more than technical skill in a trade to prosper, especially in this day and age. You have to be able to communicate with potential customers and business associates. Look at your posting. The spelling is very poor! In business that'll kill you. You say you are two years behind now. I can guarantee that after 15 years you'll be 10 years behind as the result of dropping out of school. When you go to races look around at who has the good equipment and who is towing their rigs with good vehicles. Not too many school dropouts in the field.

One of the things that impacts school dropouts is that they are identified as quiters. You'll pay for that decision for the rest of your life. Don't be one of those.

[brian]

If your problem is you can't do 8-3pm in a class format and not that you can't understand. I suggest home school you can do 2 years of HS work in 6 months hard work. You just need to take the tests and read the books no classes or teachers.

I will say this, that Home school can work but you must do the work.

The utility of HS is to teach basic skills. I am not sure they even still do that. I asked my college class to do a math problem (5 x 250) and people pulled out calculators. I felt bad later that I scolded the students who could not do this in there head.

This is the problem you have.... you have money and a job or some income but when you have a family and or more real world conditions your current train of thought will kill options. Then you cash income will only be good staying at Mom's place on the holidays.

I took some time off before college and it showed me why I wanted to go to school. I learned this passage.

WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER, IT PAYS BETTER AND HURTS LESS.

Good luck if I can do anything I will.

Brian

PS where do you live? Not sending the school cops!

[foomoo]

I have online courses right now but i cant get the motivation to do it, like its one course for the whole half the year, i live Port Hope Ont. Canada,

Anyways i dont like the schools in my town cause im behind with younger kids and its dumb, im spose to be in grade 12 next year and ill be going in 10, if i worked my ass off in school and doing Courses in the evenings as well i might have a chance getting done HS in 2 years but i just dont have any motivation anymore i really dont care, i try to go to school and in the mornings i just feel like ''why go to school when i can sleep 2 or 3 hours more?" well anyways if i were to go back next year id have to buy myself a car with the money i was gonna buy a new boat with and drive to the next down 20 min away for school, hmmm

sorry
bye

[HRTV]

No need to be sorry but maybe at this point you should contact your local youth ministry program in Port Hope to see if they can help point you in the right direction and also offer you guidance and counseling.

Please follow the link below for addtional help.

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/apprenticeship/skills/oyap.html

[foomoo]

what would be the best trade... what kinda money is involved , how hard is it to find a job in...

Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Technician

Autobody Repair Technician

Automotive Service Technician

Motorcycle Repair Technician

Marine Equipment Repair Technician

Police Foundations


thanks for ur help, im really thinking about buying a car and going back next year and working my ass of to get done it 2 years then go to college and get one of those courses ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

most of those courses say they are for 2 years...

[HRTV]

You might have better luck on a youth ministry forum, this web site is dedicated to boat racing. I have given you a link with tons of information please use that link to find the information you are looking for.

Good luck

[foomoo]

ok then if i cant ask then, then just answer the one about Marine Engine Technition, is there any money in that???

[mercguy]

Originally posted by foomoo
ok then if i cant ask then, then just answer the one about Marine Engine Technition, is there any money in that???

from personal and current experience, I am going to say no......sorry! It also depends on the area you would like to work in. Auto Technicians make LOTS MORE $$$$$. You have to figure in, that in the boat business, it really is seasonal, meaning at certain times of the year you are not busy at all, thus making no money, especially in cold weather locations. Best places for boat related jobs would be in the Florida and California areas, due to the weather not being as crude as other areas, thus less down time...........my advice, stay away from the boat business...........I would get out of it now, but what else would I do, since I have been doing it my whole life??????


Maybe I could go on a "Anti-Anthony Crusade"???????

[foomoo]

oh that sucks, guess not then, i was looking at the net and they say there wages start at 25 Grand U.S a year and can go to nearly 60 grand depending on experience

[8wKIP]

"Education is Power" plain and simple!

[mercguy]

Originally posted by foomoo
oh that sucks, guess not then, i was looking at the net and they say there wages start at 25 Grand U.S a year and can go to nearly 60 grand depending on experience

boy, I would like to find the dealer that is paying $60,000/yr!!! I could afford to race in the bigger classes then!:D

[mercguy]

Originally posted by 8wKIP
"Education is Power" plain and simple!

yes, it is!! My advice stay in school and live with your parents as long as you can!!! You will understand later down the road..........

A good and GREAT education is a substitute for nothing else!

[17W]

As you have heard more than a few times, stay in school graduate then move on. Alot of Tech programs require a 12 yr education with successful completion. Your gonna need a good job to run OPC (unsponsored), so graduate & live w/your folks as long as they allow.

I wish the Marine Dealer I worked for paided as well as $60K. (HA!) Whats profit sharing?? If you go to work in the Marine Repair field be prepare to work many weekends during the season!!!!

BB17W:D

[bill boyes]

stay in school and at least get that high school diploma. or a GED.
as a aircraft maint tech i went to school and got my FAA and FCC
certificates and went to work for a major airline. started on the graveyard shift with tues/weds as days off. after 10 years became a supv then manager. after 38 yrs of this iam going to retire april 1, 2004. most aviation shools will not let you enroll without a high school diploma or GED. you can e-mail me at bill@boatracingr11.com if you would like more info in a career in aviation.

[Jeff Akers]

I left scool in 11th grade, biggest mistake of my life!. I tell my children that all the time!. I've worked for a marine dealer for 22 years and make less than 35 grand a year. don't get me wrong I love what I do but, I limmited my options from the time I walked out of shool. I'm now 40 years old and have had a pasion for boat racing all my life,I'm just now able to aford to get a race boat together(MAYBE). Dude if you want to race and you want to win, stay in scool you will be a winner from the start!!!!!!.

[mercguy]

Originally posted by bbackus17w
As you have heard more than a few times, stay in school graduate then move on. Alot of Tech programs require a 12 yr education with successful completion. Your gonna need a good job to run OPC (unsponsored), so graduate & live w/your folks as long as they allow.

I wish the Marine Dealer I worked for paided as well as $60K. (HA!) Whats profit sharing?? If you go to work in the Marine Repair field be prepare to work many weekends during the season!!!!

BB17W:D

yep, you have to admit, for us "marine technicians", it definately is not a convenient occupation, when you are also a boat racer!! But, like they say, all work and no play, makes Joe a dull boy.........or something like that!:D

Considering that the racing season is usually the most busiest time for a marine tech. ...............I am thinking the best profession to be, if you want to be a boat racer, is to be a teacher or work in the school system...........

[RONUS]

Considering that the racing season is usually the most busiest time for a marine tech. ...............I am thinking the best profession to be, if you want to be a boat racer, is to be a teacher or work in the school system...........

Boy Darren,
I think you just scared the crap outta the kid.:D
He can't stand the 2 years he has left, let alone a career in school. :D :D :D

On a serious note thou. Darren is right. A marine tech. or engineer is'nt gonna give you a lot of time off to start with. Aviation is the same way. 20 years at a major airline is a great job, but there's little time to do a lot of things you'd like. Weekends are a hot commodity in the field. Most airlines have swapping privledges and its kind of cool flying into a lot of race sites but, to get the weekends off you have to still get your 40 hours in somewhere. And a lot of the old guys with weekends off don't usually like to give them up. Like I said, I have 20 years in and hold Fri./Sat. with a 1:00 am to 9:00 am shift. Trust me, stay in school so you at least have a chance to enjoy the rest of your life.

Dave

[mercguy]

Originally posted by RONUS
Considering that the racing season is usually the most busiest time for a marine tech. ...............I am thinking the best profession to be, if you want to be a boat racer, is to be a teacher or work in the school system...........

Boy Darren,
I think you just scared the crap outta the kid.:D
He can't stand the 2 years he has left, let alone a career in school. :D :D :D

On a serious note thou. Darren is right. A marine tech. or engineer is'nt gonna give you a lot of time off to start with. Aviation is the same way. 20 years at a major airline is a great job, but there's little time to do a lot of things you'd like. Weekends are a hot commodity in the field. Most airlines have swapping privledges and its kind of cool flying into a lot of race sites but, to get the weekends off you have to still get your 40 hours in somewhere. And a lot of the old guys with weekends off don't usually like to give them up. Like I said, I have 20 years in and hold Fri./Sat. with a 1:00 am to 9:00 am shift. Trust me, stay in school so you at least have a chance to enjoy the rest of your life.

Dave

boy Dave, you could be right..........did I scare him for sure???? I am lucky though, as I am the senior technician in my shop and can take off the days I usually want. Only draw back is that I am loosing money not being there. Most shops out this way are now paying "flat rate" $$$$, so the more your there working, the more you can make.............less time there, less you make......................BUT, boat racing is so much fun!:D :D

[RONUS]

......................BUT, boat racing is so much fun!

You hit that nail on the head Darrin. There is'nt a day goes by that I don't miss this sport. Soccer, basketball, piano, and dance for my daughter keep me running now. Along with my screwed up work scedule. But I still look for ways to keep in touch. This summer looks good (knock on wood) that I'll hit a few races. All you guys are the best, in the greatest sport there is.

Dave

[Jeff Lytle]

I know what i'll tell my boys if this ever comes to light in my family:

Looking at it from my perspective, after working now for 25 years:

Re: School

You'll never have as many friends.
You'll never have life so easy.
Life seemed much easier back then.
Having a full time job usually means having to pay room and board, if not at home--somewhere.


I, like Dave, left school when I was in Grade 11. I too, was living in Ottawa back then, and found that even a janitors position was hard to get without a second language.
I started on my welding tickets, and put 3 hard years of learning behind me, to find out my boss wasn't submitting my hours cause' it cost money that he didn't have. I left that job, and had to start form scratch again, as no one would start me where I left off based SOLELY on experience. If i'd had a better education, I'm convinced now that things might have been different.

I went back to school when I was 32. It was night school--not for better advancement, but simply to prove to myself I could get my grade 12.

There were 2 Jeff Lytle's in that class--The 32 year old who wanted to learn and sat in the front row, and the 17 year old Jeff who sat in the back fooling around and not paying attention, just like I did when I was in his shoes. I wanted on many occasions to try to talk to him, and explain the REAL reason this old guy was sitting in a High School night class. I figured he would have to learn for himself as I did, but I think differently about it now. I completed my Grade 12 with a 92 average.

All I can say is try to stick it out. Ask the teacher point blank if he/she feels it's too late for you if you really buckle down starting today. Ask to be moved to the front of the class where the wally's sit and LEARN. You'll find it's not that hard when there are less distractions around you.

I bet that 17 year old is now in some nowhere job now, and wishing he had some other sort of options.............options that will only come with an education.

Want a reality check?? Check the want ads.......and truthfully ask yourself how many of the high paying positions you would qualify for NOW if you left school tomorrow. Sucks dosn't it?

My view..............A view from a 43 year old who has been there.

[Racer 30 F]

I graduated from high school in '52 and went straight to work. I had the chance to go to college, but I wanted to make money and I was young. Had lots of time and knew I could make it good with out it. Big mistake. Then after I got married we had a son with a life long illness. With my wife and I often working 2 jobs each, we just got by. Now at age 69 I only have my SS pension and my wife works. I still race but I don't have a big budget for it. What I guess I'm getting at is, when I started working and most of my working life the technoligy of the modern times wasn't even thought of. Dropping out of school at this time is the worst mistake anyone could make. You never know what's ahead but you can bet it won't be as easy as a young person thinks. Study, study and prepare. Dropping out is something you'll have to live with the rest of your life. OK, now I'll get down from my soap box but I hate to see anyone make such a big mistake.

[Mike 21CE]

Stay in school and get as much education has you can .I loved and still do cars and boats I have been an auto mechanic for 32 years selfemployed for the last 15 yrs. When you are young and know lots it's not bad kneeling on cold cement but when you get older it's not quite as much fun. When someone asks me about starting in the repair field not just automotive I recomend a strong background in ELECTRONICS every thing is being controlled that way, also computer skills , typing ,know how to read a shop manual properly. The more money you earn the better and more TOYS you can have . The time you spend now will pay off later and the toys will aways be out there. Good Luck....... Mike

[Merc55H]

This thread has kind of petered out,, so I have a final though/message for Foomoo.

What these good men in their replies have offered you is priceless. I have never seen more honest and sincere, selfless advice given by a bunch of strangers, whose only wish is to see you NOT make the mistakes that they may have made. I don’t know you, and I don’t know if you, at you age can appreciate the gift these men have offered you. Print out their responses, save them and read them often, and learn from them. It takes integrity and courage to bare your soul to a stranger, but I do know that you couldn’t want for a better friend than all these men. They ALL have my utmost respect, they are the silent heroes who live their honorable lives and too often unfortunately pass relatively unnoticed. If you don’t learn from these men, then it is your loss.

Time for bull**** to walk, have the balls to take control of your future, be a success and then thank your lucky stars that you listened to these guys. IMHO