I Dropped Out of School and Became a Carpenter

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4 жыл бұрын

Here is a story about how I dropped out of high school and eventually became a carpenter
Story about my first 3 jobs as a Carpenter • Why I Hated Carpentry
Tips on getting an apprenticeship in New Zealand • How to Get a Carpentry...
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Пікірлер: 512

@ScottBrownCarpentry 4 жыл бұрын

I'm really enjoying reading about how you guys started,, some cool stories below!

@robt7165 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Scott funny too I dropped out of high school too same thoughts of you lol I got into a union apprenticeship and 3 yrs later the Canada came into a resession 91 so work dried up tobad I was working 3 floors down in a 69 story office building so 30 yrs later lol I'm 56 I just work for small companies enjoy the clients relationship s the most making thier vision come about 😀 tobad your not here in Canada we do things pretty good not perfect lol I would love you to have a experience or live here except the cold I know have a great day love your buddy seems really cool

@alhussainifadel3591 4 жыл бұрын

Whats your favorite video you made :)

@gman8557 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Scott I’m sure probably you won’t ever read this...but ahhh...Here’s my little journey anyways(I’ll skip the boring parts) My dad was a professor at the university. When I graduated high school (barely) my dad asked what I wanted to do. “Go to the university?”I said I think I wanna be a plumber. My dad bought me a pair working boots for my high school graduation. And said...”get to work.” He told me “nobody will give you anything in life. So work hard, and do a good job.” I did plumbing for a couple of years. And I asked for $.50c raise got fired. Then I started down the path of drywaller hanger. Got pretty good at that. The guys I worked with were awesome...we were a well oiled machine. Then my dad died. So I had to move back home to help out my mom. So I started a business doing drywall Hanging and finishing, basement remodels and other carpentry. One thing led to another and now I have more tools that I know what to do with. I think my favorite part of carpentry is working with repurposed wood. I’ve done a number of projects where we would find old Homestead homes, remove all the old trim and built-ins, etc...Then I would turn that into some cool projects. Couple my favorite...I turned the garage into a Irish bar... and in a super rich gated community, I turned an unfinished part of someone’s basement into efficiency apartment...When I was all done it look like you’re walking into the the Wild West 1880s. I was there for about 10 months. One thing I found out between the different trades, is the principles are the same. You use different products, different tools, but The concepts of every trade is basically the same. So never really confused on what to do on a project. Dealing with customers is sometimes a challenge but as long as you communicate things usually turn out good. And not to mention it’s fun, I’ve trained in my two sons in the trades. Loved every minute. Trying to Instilled in them the same thing my dad told me. Work hard and do a good job. And I know they’ll be ok when they get a family. Thanks for the videos :-)

@jeremyschrader9014 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Scotty, Not sure if you've had this discussion with anyone yet. But I think some young people would really benefit from hearing your story of how you came to be where you're at today. I think it's valuable to hear a real life story from someone with your experience from dropping out to qualified successful tradesman. If you you have time maybe you could talk to a Youth Work programme or high school? It's so hard for some young people to decide what to do after dropping out or thereabouts, having someone with a good story like yours can help get them into a trade or even just full time employment while they work out their next move! All the best, J.

@JeDxDeVu 4 жыл бұрын

Ironic how someone who dropped out of school, does a really good job at teaching stuff.

@ashleyw1393 4 жыл бұрын

I would disagree. Quite often the most cleaver people are the ones who get bored at school and hence don’t do too well at school. Some school systems recognise this and have changed the way they approach teaching. My son’s primary school is one such school and the methods they use are all about engaging the kids to learn in a way that suits them as opposed to sitting in a fixed classroom listening to drivel coming from the teacher.

@miriistina 4 жыл бұрын

Ashley W I agree with you 100%. And there are so many forms of intelligence, it’s not all bookish. Scott’s is clearly of a practical, hands on nature, and it shows. But I can see the irony... it’s the opposite of what so many of us are told to believe when we’re young. Universities are full of people who shouldn’t be there but are trying to prove themselves against other people’s standards.

@majinnaibu 4 жыл бұрын

Us dropouts have to teach ourselves because no one else will. When we get good at something we know what made us good and how we learned it so we have an advantage when trying to teach others. Traditional education focuses on remembering and reciting instead of teaching kids how to learn on their own. "Smart" kids are the ones that are good at remembering. It changes in higher education, but in the US k-12 that's just what teachers teach and what standardized tests select for.

@JeDxDeVu 4 жыл бұрын

It's ironic! not surprising. ;)

@Goabnb94 4 жыл бұрын

Some schools are stuck in one mindset - convince students that university is their only option, and do stuff all to promote any other career. Some teachers even, only want to teach students how to pass a test, so they get sufficient grades, so the teacher can meet KPIs. Its like Einstein said - "Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will forever believe it is stupid"

@dster230 4 жыл бұрын

I got a bachelors degree in management, and now have a desk job. Listen people, if you don’t think you’d like a desk job, you probably never will. Go into the trades. Yeah, trades are hard on your body, but sitting at a desk for 50 hours a week screws up your back, eyes, and makes you fat. It’s a horse a piece. The world needs tradesmen as much as it needs college “educated” folk. Good luck out there.

@1mom69 4 жыл бұрын

Was doing accounting & economic analysis in University, found myself working at my university campus during the summer working with all kinds of tradesman & contractors. Looking towards taking a few years off school to do carpentry &/or electrician stuff, maybe I'll go back & finish the degree if I wanna start my own business!

@poiu77 4 жыл бұрын

I did an apprenticeship in carpentry but the company didnt treat me well, they put me on a contract that took me 2 hours to get there on transport, i could drive and asked for a van they said no, i asked for a basic tool kit they said no, so i went to uni, i am trying to get back into the trades but i am stuck as to how to do it, i am based in the uk if this helps!

@metallitech 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah it's better not to wear your body out. It will be worn out if you have a physical job.

@1mom69 4 жыл бұрын

@@metallitech it's not permanently hard on the body if you work for a company that values safety over the bottom line. I feel like sitting in a chair in front of a PC would be worse for my mental health & my spine then doing tradeswork. Then again, I don't do construction or any work that's too hard. Electrical & Carpentry isn't too bad on the body.

@1mom69 4 жыл бұрын

@@poiu77 I'm in the same boat too here in Ontario Canada mate. Not a lot of opportunities when I'm dirt poor. Only shitty companies are hiring & they want you to own your own hand & power tools, your own car, your own consumables etc. I've floated in some short term contracts but I'm holding on for now. When I finally get my own car I think it'll get easier but I'm just doing general facility maintenance on my college campus right now part-time while I'm part-time in school. Good luck though friend!

@danbailey96 4 жыл бұрын

I quit high school at 15 and started in carpentry 55 years later I have no regrets

@fanaticz666 4 жыл бұрын

I remember the reason why i wanted to become a builder, was because i wanted a toolbox full of tools.

@717UT 4 жыл бұрын

That's a totally legitimate reason. I too think my path was somewhat determined by my love of tools

@christopherperez6126 3 жыл бұрын

yup, love of tools and my father always letting me tag along on his jobs being a master "sparky" and now 17 with a really good set of tools already im stuck between getting into the trades, probably being a sparky myself, or into college to pursue being an aerospace engineer or maybe another type but i honestly wouldnt mind starting my life and job next year rather then have to go through college accumulating debt and probably still overall regret not following my love of tools

@michaelplays2449 4 жыл бұрын

I left school early to join the army, in my family you either became a soldier or a builder , my mothers brother was a builder and my father was a soldier, i spent 23 years in the army and retired, i did 6 tours overseas 2 to South Lebanon, 3 to Bosnia ..........and my favorite was East Timor were i was a member of the Irish military who served with the 4th NZ Battalion, i was very proud to serve with those guys a great bunch of lads......ive always enjoyed diy and sometimes wonder how things would have worked out as a builder..............Youre a fine builder i bet your father is very proud well done !

@connormatthews522 4 жыл бұрын

What's up mate. My brother left school to become a chippy as well, he's now the most financially sound in our family by a fair margin. Big love from England bro, stay safe out there.

@ericliddle7556 4 жыл бұрын

Give him a plug! Where's the store?

@benjaaaamin 4 жыл бұрын

Haha think he means chippy as in carpenter

@connormatthews522 4 жыл бұрын

@@benjaaaamin this haha

@fernweh2010 4 жыл бұрын

I got a science degree after high school, didn't know what the heck I wanted to do so went travelling with my best mate around the world for two years. When I got back to nz I knew I wanted to do something more practical. I really love sailing so got into boatbuilding in Auckland. turns out it's mostly fibreglass and carbon fibre and dust and fumes....arrrgh! hated it! Got out of that and bummed around as a labourer for a year then a few years as a hammerhand and finally thought, I should get qualified, I can build better than a lot of these higher paid guys around me! so I got an apprenticeship at age 30, slogged it out and then at 34 started my own carpentry business, now focussing on more bespoke projects. I absolutely loving being my own boss and choosing my work! Thanks Scott for sharing, keep up the awesome videos!

@dylanbuckley6583 4 жыл бұрын

After years working at a supermarket I got my apprenticeship at the age of 33. Apprenticeships are for all ages really, but is much harder to get the older you are. I took holidays and offered a free weeks work for a trial. 1 guy agreed and offered me an apprenticeship after 3 days when he saw I was serious. I'm not saying everyone should do it, but there are apprenticeships out there if you want one badly enough, no matter the age.

@dylanbuckley6583 4 жыл бұрын

@@GLimJamm yeah mate worked first time round. Could see certain people taking advantage of it though

@181defcon 4 жыл бұрын

I got my apprenticeship at 35. I had the same problem finding someone who wanted to take on an older person. For me I did a 1 year multiskill course at my local college so that I had something to show I could do the work and cope with college as an adult. My college helped me find an apprenticeship and within weeks of starting with the company I had a pay rise from the apprentice rate to the lowest tradesman rate, when the company relised that they werent dealing with a 17-18 year old who doesnt know a thing. They had someone who could already do a number of jobs and who was actively trying to improve. My advise for anyone wanting to retrain is to go speak to your local training provider, and stick with it. My advise for anyone considering an older apprentice is to hire them. They are so much more focused and driven and they already know how to work even if you have to teach them from scratch they will have a much better attitude towards learning.

@jesperMOlsen-mn3nx 4 жыл бұрын

At the age of 33, after driving a truck, delivering building materials for 12yrs, did I decide to become a carpenter apprentice. This was in Denmark in 07' just before the recession.. It was a 3,5yr apprenticeship, and I made what would be 25nz$ an hour, and I also needed to work extra hours to make ends meet, bc of mortgages and stuff like that.. But I'm so happy I did it! Now I've moved to Norway, to be with my Norwegian GF, and work as a carpenter here. They use a LOT of wood here!! Even though the two languages are similar, it is NOT easy to speak Norwegian, and new names for the different materials, but its totally worth it!! So that's really the beauty of the trade.. You can get work in so many countries.. And thank you Scott, for your accommodating style :o)

@danfarmer9393 4 жыл бұрын

Started my electrical apprenticeship with my old junior rugby coach at the age of 22 after leaving school and doing every job under the sun. I was given his son as an apprentice and trained him for the next 3 years was then made redundant after the big recession in 2008 and set up on my own firm. Then 8 years later get a phone call from his son he had taken over the firm from his dad after he had major health problems and would i help him run the company (much bigger company than mine) I now own part of the company that i served my apprenticeship with the only strange thing with the situation is having your old apprentice telling you what to do !!!!. I'm so glad i got a trade eventually i just wish i started when i left school problem is that careers advice back then was if your thick you became a builder if you were clever you went in to computers so i wasted 2 years of my life learning about computers none of which is relevant anymore suppose you live and learn. Hi from sunny Devon in the UK

@andrewrichter3620 4 жыл бұрын

I found this channel about a week ago looking around at carpentry videos. My dad has been a carpenter for the last 30+ years and even built the house I grew up in. I've help him on jobs ever since I was a kid but I never fully realized how much I want to do this until just recently. I have no idea how i'm going to get my start but this channel is giving me a lot of encouragement. wish me luck guys. sincerely, some 23 year old kid from the states that has a lot to learn.

@christianbilden 4 жыл бұрын

Have been going to high school in Norway edjucating myself into the building industry. Actually signed my apprenticeship contract today, so looking forward to learn a hole lot

@soerlie 4 жыл бұрын

Gratulerer 👍

@richardbaron7106 4 жыл бұрын

So I goofed around a lot at high school, usually going to the music suites and playing drums, guitar and bass, which meant my report cards were garbage and I figured no-one would want to hire me, so I did year 12 a second time. That second year, I worked hard so that I could get good report cards and my grades came up at the same time. That was a bonus. I guess I grew up a little that year and ever since, have always applied myself and made the effort. It helped that I had a some good teachers and folks that supported me. I still played music in the school band and orchestra, but I also did my homework and didn't skip class. It was initially embarrassing turning up to class at the start of my second year, but no-one cared and so I just got on with learning how to learn again (I'd been goofing around since 11 or 12). Like yourself, I wasn't stupid, but in my case, I wasn't engaged either - I enjoyed technical drawing, music and tinkering with things. When I finished high school, I could have gone to university, but I wanted to be a sparky instead. A nearby neighbor, who was a sparky and had his own business told me I was too smart, so I ended up working in a bank and then in an office. At 23 I got an adult apprenticeship as a mechanic, but then the economy went south and I ended up back in an office. At 27 I went to film school and realized that's where I should have been - it was the combination of doing something both technical and being creative that made the work interesting, coz no two jobs are the same. I still work on the family's cars and enjoy doing DIY around the house, coz it's also technical and creative - it feels like honest work compared to being in an office.

@southhillfarm2795 4 жыл бұрын

after finishing high school in 1982, went to university, wasn't ready financially or mentally, went to work for my uncle, joined a trade Union a few years later and they put me through a carpenter program. Became a journeyman carpenter, moved to site superintendent, moved into the office as estimator/project manager. Now I run my own commercial cabinet shop at 57. And the struggle goes on, but I still feel blessed by God. I love working with my hands and body; shop time is my favourite time running the business. After a few years back working in the shop, my back doesn't hurt any more, no more problems with sciatica ( that really hurts). I only have 2 employees, sometimes 3 but I get to live where I want to live and that's in a rural area, build the items in my shop and deliver and install in the city where the majority of my clients have their offices , schools, hospitals, etc. Great job on the videos!

@gevanleeuwen747 4 жыл бұрын

Hai Scott, Same story overhere. I am already 62 and for 42 years my own carpentry and every day i am still proud of what i am making.

@sparter124 4 жыл бұрын

I had a gaming friend of like 6 years from online and we decided to meet up for Mardi gras in his city. When I got there I was introduced to a guy at the party who is now my boss/mentor. Two years after the party and growing the relationship, he offered me a job so I packed and moved 12 hours away to a pretty much new city and started learning construction and how to remodel ( had ZERO prior experience). I've been doing this for 2.5 years now and have learned so much and still feel like idk anything because there's just so much to absorb when you're literally doing every aspect of the job ( plumbing, electric, framing, finish carpentry, tile setter, the list goes on) and now I'm at the point where I'm purchasing my first remodel property.

@forrec4 4 жыл бұрын

Genuinely gutted to have got up to date. Discovered this channel about a week or so ago and have watched them all through. Got to wait for the new ones now!!

@thecarpentryapprentice9491 4 жыл бұрын

Ended up not knowing what I wanted to do with my life, went to university to study a management degree, ended up travelling and working in sales & hospitality roles. Then I found Joinery when living in Australia, I worked with a joiner in residential homes around Sydney mainly doing bespoke and 2nd fix joinery. I loved it so much that I decided to come back to the UK and become a fully qualified Carpenter & Joiner. Now I'm 1.5 years into my apprenticeship at the age of 26.

@OTBASH 4 жыл бұрын

I wish I had found out about this path a long time ago. I'm 27 years old and feel like I wasted 2 years of my life in college for a degree I don't give a shit about anymore. Currently at a university now but I plan on dropping out and applying for an apprenticeship.

@poiu77 4 жыл бұрын

How did you get in to it in Australia if you didn't have experience ?

@thecarpentryapprentice9491 4 жыл бұрын

@@poiu77 I advertised myself as a labourer on Gumtree and a local Joiner contacted me for a couple of weeks work. I ended up with him for just over a year, it set me on the path I'm on today

@thecarpentryapprentice9491 4 жыл бұрын

Have a look at my Instagram account 'thecarpentryapprentice', I have pics from my time in Australia and from more recent times here in the UK. Gonna keep posting so follow if you like the content :)

@thecarpentryapprentice9491 4 жыл бұрын

@@OTBASH Follow your gut instinct on this one mate, I get a lot of fulfilment out of working in this trade. Never found the same satisfaction in Sales/Hospitality, even when the money was great!

@katrinabell7684 4 жыл бұрын

Good to hear your story SBC.. another interesting video.😎

@tischlermeistertom 4 жыл бұрын

I started to study back in 2015 and after a year or so I noticed that I absolutely wasn't happy. I wanted to do stuff, not just read about it. I quit university and started an apprenticeship as a joiner/carpenter and it was the best decision I ever made. Right now I'm preparing for "masterclass" and afterwards I want to start my own business and do exactly the stuff you do. I always feel inspired when you post new stuff, and it motivates me to learn more and become a better craftsmen :) Thanks Scott! Greetings from Germany

@nickshepherd9879 4 жыл бұрын

I dropped out of university in Melbourne and was completely lost. Physically I was fit and fine but mentally I was out of control and at my lowest. My father asked my old principal for help because he didn't know what to do. The principal met and offered me a job labouring at my old high-school. It felt like charity but I was in such a bad place I took the lifeline. Work was the only thing that got me out of bed, but looking back the routine is what I needed at the time. 80% of the job was boring as hell but every so often the old school carpenters would get me to help on the school building projects. I loved learning different aspects of building and it would take over the negativity in my life and give me a sense of purpose. 4 years later I'm almost qualified and I look forward to every day at work even if its on the broom and shovel. Carpentry gave me back everything I put into it and ended up saving me from myself. Thank you Scott for spreading carpentry around the world, more people need to see it

@donsheldon8121 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! I graduated high school and set on a path for University. I dabbled for the first year, then decided to work instead. I returned to University after 3 or 4 years of cooking and cleaning, completing a degree in Kinesiology. I enjoyed the school experience, but really didn't want to pursue a career in the field. My wife and I moved to a smaller community and I started doing a little bit of contract work, mostly exterior finishing as there had been a massive hail storm the summer prior. I loved the work, but realized my understanding of the intricacies were underwhelming. I found a nine month "pre-employment" course and then completed a four year apprenticeship with a Journeyman Carpenter building custom homes and doing renovation work. I started my own carpentry company, taking on work that I could complete with myself and an apprentice. After a few years of that, I've taken a job teaching an accredited carpentry program at a high school. If, in my schooling, I had access to the program I now teach, I think my path would've been a lot straighter, but who knows?

@clintburris5520 4 жыл бұрын

please god never change the vibe of your videos

@Sayler92 4 жыл бұрын

After high school as a computer expert! I started working in the company where my father worked. I have been working in the same company for 7 years, in this quarantine I decided to quit and open my own company at the end of the month, I have been thinking about it for over a year, thanks also to your videos I have decided that it is the best choice for me . I'm a builder in italy, it's a very different job from new zealand! Ciao!

@michikocooper561 4 жыл бұрын

Went to school and had architecture in mind. Dad suggested doing a pre-trade first to understand the practical side of building, which ended up sparking my interest and passion for building. After that year I decided I wanted to continue with carpentry and now, I've been an apprentice for just over a year and it's been a challenging and enjoyable learning experience so far!!

@braydencorse-scott1649 4 жыл бұрын

Your an inspiration Scott! I spent 20 years in Auckland, made a decision to move down to Hawke’s bay. I found a building job which I love to this day! Started my apprenticeship with only my boss and I on site.

@justsomeawesomeperson6396 4 жыл бұрын

It’s nice to hear the story of another dropout who is a pretty good carpenter now. I always hate when people say you can’t reach a certain goal without an education.

@nicleslie9662 4 жыл бұрын

i started my road probably last aug and am still going!~seen your videos when i first started and helped me get basic gear, and gave me some encouragement to see where youve gone in all your years of experience i love how you never stop growing and learning and sharing your knowledge with us! I've done a few decks now since on my own and i think seeing you do it gave me some confidence! cheers and thanks for all you do, Muskoka, Canada

@jonparker8170 4 жыл бұрын

buddy, thanks for your honesty scott. there are alot of young me and women in our nation that need to hear those stries, especially in this new normal that is often talked about. well done, love your channel, and the great example you are making :-)

@ziggysrefurbs1885 4 жыл бұрын

Got bullied out of college at 16. Spent the next month in bed and my father told me to go and get a job or start working with him as a chippy. 31 years later still doing the same job and still enjoying it

@grantpatterson1441 4 жыл бұрын

My old man is a electrician and he was taking me out on jobs, had a interest from there so at 16 left school and started my apprenticeship.

@billdodson5703 4 жыл бұрын

Extremely helpful story - thanks Scott

@stuartoughton7845 4 жыл бұрын

I've just started a job as a maintenance operative in a NHS hospital. Inspired by the work you do. Loving it. Been a truck driver for 15 years so it's a total career change for me but loving it. Keep up with the good work on all your videos

@coreymcmickle1748 3 жыл бұрын

What a testimony. Such an awesome representative of the trade yet isn't afraid to be honest. Thanks so much for being unbelievably transparent mate.

@timcorbett9629 4 жыл бұрын

While I was still in highschool, I worked after school and weekends building stairs, railings and finish carpentry. Continued the year after grad while I got my pilots licence, and figured out I couldn't sit in a cockpit that long. Went to trade school and became an aircraft mechanic. Did that for 12 years, went as far up that career as you could without becoming management, which I hated. Once I became a father, I realized the permanent shift work wasn't the family life I wanted, so quit, without much of a plan. Moved out to some farmland and built a house on my own. That kinda lead to carpentry work again. Now I basically support my cattle ranching habit, doing renos and new builds for people in the area, making twice the wage I ever did in aviation.

@michaelburton4521 4 жыл бұрын

Nice one Scott thanks for the back story. I'm 53 and changed to carpentry 4 years ago on a whim. Doing alright surprise myself sometimes by what I can make. Usually thinking about it is worse than doing it. Many thanks for your continuing commitment to doing a superb job and filming it for our viewing pleasure. An ex Aucklander

@shanelacy6118 4 жыл бұрын

Can’t wait for the barn door install video.

@luisjaimes7757 4 жыл бұрын

It's funny you put this video out today. I am going to start my first construction job on monday, So it means a lot to hear a little bit about your experience getting into the trade/trades.

@georgemerry3555 4 жыл бұрын

Keep up the videos Scott, your tricks and tips help me as a carpenter. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

@sidtomo2257 4 жыл бұрын

I’m an apprentice now and 17 in the UK. Learning loads from these vids love em matey

@kazukarukelley 4 жыл бұрын

But, Scott, I find all of your episodes exciting. Man I fricking greatly enjoy your videos! Thanks for the epic story and wicked cool tips for scribing the epic quirk. Can't wait to see you and Paerau nock out more of that school work. Really neat to see how carpenters did things over 100 years ago in addition to how other tradesmen do there parts.

@rethastat 4 жыл бұрын

All the best to you and your family!

@chrisstephenson8615 4 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy watching all your videos!! It's really interesting to hear about how you got an apprenticeship. I was told about an apprenticeship opportunity via my dad where he worked. I'm now an electrical engineer and have been out of my time for 4 years now! The phrase of IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW IT'S WHO YOU KNOW has always played a big part i have found.

@allinghamremovals4868 4 жыл бұрын

Love your vids.

@sarabiakristofer 4 жыл бұрын

my story is about the same, I dropped out of school when i was 16 as well, i started woring as a painter for about 4 years of my life, but soon found out I really didnt enjoy it as much. I would always see the carpenters at jobsites with all there tools and there tool belts and thought to myself " that look great". So I later started working as a builder myself, and I really loved it. recently I started an apprenticeship in drywall/metalstud framing and I'm very happy doing it, im learning alot and the pay is good,The good thing is that im still working dispite this pandemic.I mean if i had to go back yea i probally would finish high school, but i probally would've still be working in construction. scott your videos are very good and you yourself are not just a great carpenter, but a good person. Greetings from hesperia california.

@royagustino3189 4 жыл бұрын

Hi scott i've been watching your videos since i was in the midde east...now im here in new zealand thanks for your videos i got to know what builder jobs here..keep up the good job

@drumwithrodds 4 жыл бұрын

Please keep up the awesome videos! Gonna start my trade journey in a couple of weeks, enrolled into carpentry at my local community college.

@skankus 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, Richard Robertson here. love the videos. keep up the good work!

@mtadams2009 3 жыл бұрын

I loved your story. I too did not like school, from the very first day I hated it. I had issues sitting all day and not moving. I made it though high school and even made it through two years of college. Back in the day, late 70s the trades were talked down. I ended up working in automation repair, working on the road with big truck loaded with tools and parts. I remember the first day they gave me this brand new truck and set me on my way, freedom at last. It was a hard job but being on my own is what I needed. I still do that same job but now its mostly software. My wife is an attorney and she makes crazy money but I could never sit in an office for 12 hours a day for no amount of money. My days at work always go by very quickly. I do a lot of carpentry around my two homes and also woodworking. To young people I would say follow your dreams and don't do what others think you should its your life and its not a dress rehearsal. Take care.

@s1dthesl0th 4 жыл бұрын

Loving the vids during this time , seeing the noticfation just makes my day ! And got my job as an apprentice by chance was working as a bms engineer at n electrical firm and they just asked if I wanted to be a spark

@N3AThypez 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve just completed my first year as an apprentice loving it so far

@keironhiggins9620 4 жыл бұрын

Hey mate, love your stuff, I got mine through my old man, he’s a brickie by trade runs a small building contractor firm and got my carpentry apprenticeship working for him with the chippies on site and 11 years later I’m now a director running it with him, big love from England mate

@TheJohnno25 4 жыл бұрын

Well done Scott, and it’s worked out well for you. Awesome quality work. I left school at 15 1/2, couldn’t get an apprenticeship, ended up working in a supermarket, travelling, painting , farming and then later as a builders labourer for a mate. I learned a lot of useful skills I still use every day now 35 years later and I’m in another well paid career I’ve been in 28 years. My advice to the younger ones is stay at school to get NCEA level one and two to give yourself more options and make yourself more attractive to prospective employers. Unless you have a job lined up already then go for it.

@georgec2260 3 жыл бұрын

love your teaching tips .I start carpentry at 23 done 2 years apprenticeship and at the moment working in London . Working us a carpenter is great you can build anything you like .All the best from LONDON UK

@rrkmac635 4 жыл бұрын

Left school at 15, went to college in an intro to construction course, lecturer got asked to pick someone to go do some work experience for a guy looking for a Young lad on site, I was the one he picked, been at the same job now for over 8 years building unique one off builds in some of the most beautiful locations around the north east coast of scotland

@benatiga 4 жыл бұрын

Dude, it seems as though as your videos are uploaded its exactly what I need/doing in my life. Perfect timing I think. Kitchen floor fix, bathroom reno, outside stairs, planked timber feature wall. Looking at hanging an interior barn door on a rail soon too hahaha too good. I keep an eye out for ur van when Im on the road too 🤙🏾

@simonbmr 4 жыл бұрын

Nice backstory :-) It's funny how some of us bounce our way through life and careers.

@tonyanddeb1012 4 жыл бұрын

Great insight Scott. What needs to be said though, and is evident in all your work, is that you have to have a good work ethic and a genuine desire to do a job properly to get satisfaction from it. Some kids, like you maybe, didn’t enjoy school per se, but you had intelligence to know that you had to do something, the luxury lifestyle fairy wasn’t going to wave her wand and hand you untold riches. So you got out there and applied yourself, part of the not liking your first job etc. is just growing up as we all do at different times. My advice to anyone is to try to find a job doing something you are proud of and enjoy doing. If you do it well and are reliable all the fluff like cash and cars will come in time. Your level of attention to detail and keeping the clients house clean and tidy is a measure of you as a person and the need to be the best you can be. Trust me that is not a universal trait! Sorry for the long comment but after working silly hours around the world until I was 50, always saying yes to more and more work my body just said stop or die. So I stopped, we moved to rural France where I now enjoy messing about making stuff for our house and being free. Big salaries are great folks, but time with your family and breathing clean air is much more rewarding than a 75” TV and all that stuff! Be safe and continue to make these excellent videos for as long as you enjoy doing them. Your parents must now be very proud of you, and rightly so.

@stuartcairnie9985 4 жыл бұрын

I knew at 13 I wanted to be a carpenter, helped my Dad (who is a Joiner from Scotland) build a small shed. I was so intrigued by the fact that you could make something out of a pile of wood, I was hooked. Forty eight years later still loving what I do and learning something new all the time. Really enjoy your channel, Cheers .

@waughjake 4 жыл бұрын

My old man was working on a project in Southland when I was at the end of 6th form. Rings me up and says "Jake, do you want a holiday job with the local sparky?" I thought to myself, "Yeah, I'll get enough money for a box of beer for new years." Here I am 16 years later.

@alexrains1893 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Scott, alway love your videos but this one was particularly pertinent. I also dropped out of school because nothing they were teaching fascinated me so i didn't engage with it. The way the school structure was here in Aus meant if I wanted to go to university I couldn't do the woodworking and metal fabrication classes that were actually of great interest to me as they did not lead on to a university pathway. I subsequently failed and dropped out and lead a slightly directionless life for a number of years. I eventually found woodworking again in my mid twenties and fell in love with it. I had a lot of expectation to not be a tradesperson from my family, a book called "shop class for soulcraft' really helped me understand that it was ok to persevere towards what I love and highly recommend it to anyone. I took my woodworking from furniture making in to residential joinery and now have my own business with two employees and I love it. I never want to be off the tools, I get paid to make beautiful things for people and it is so very me and I couldn't be happier.

@jonsturrock2788 4 жыл бұрын

Love the way you work Scott, your videos make me want to sack my office job and go back to Joinery. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@drewgillespie4073 4 жыл бұрын

Left school and home at 18 yrs and joined the RAF as an apprentice aircraft fitter. Loved every minute of it and 36 years later I retired. Now I watch your videos to help me renovate our old house. Well done mate, the world still needs tradesmen. Keep up the good work.

@TheJackalope312 4 жыл бұрын

I'd served 6 years in the Navy and was working mostly on weapon systems and didn't have a strong appreciation for the things I did. The US has a program for former service members that will help pay for most, if not all, of your school if you served in the armed forces. In my second year of college I decided that the struggle of forcing myself to solve a problem wasn't worth the toll on my mind and body. I for the longest time I pondered the idea of becoming an electrician. I've been an apprentice for a little over 2 years now and it's been the best decision I've ever man. I have strong appreciation for my work and enjoy what I do more often than not. Whatever we do, I believe you must try and enjoy it. If you love your work, you'll never work a day in your life.

@whatchacookin1096 4 жыл бұрын

I had asked a cabinet salesman who was at my parents house quoting them a job if they needed any help. He replied "Can you start today, our table saw guy cut off his hand yesterday".

@dariusfrench5 4 жыл бұрын

With your background story, you show us that , that the builder's World wins a Good man and a Good worker .Love your vidéos Scott, by a french 🇫🇷 carpentry fan♥️🇫🇷♥️🇫🇷

@jamess5872 4 жыл бұрын

I finished my degree, worked for IBM and renovated houses on weekends. Really wish I would have skipped University since now all I do is take care of my rental properties and take on side jobs when I feel like. Beats the hell out of a desk job any day!

@henri6595 3 жыл бұрын

Did you get hit with one of those shady IBM layoffs? I've been hearing about them for years. IBM would "Resourse Allocate" people and hire cheaper labor to replace them.

@justgregnow 4 жыл бұрын

So when I was a little kid I told everyone I was going to be a carpenter. I didn't start that dream until I was about 26. I went to a trade school here in the states. I started as an apprentice and now I own my own business doing home remodeling. I couldn't be happier even tho I just stab myself in the arm with utility knife today 🤦😆.

@ZombieWarningStation 3 жыл бұрын

I had been working as a forklift driver and always wanted to do something more. I had one kid with another on the way and took the leap applied to a couple local builders and got hired and have been doing it for two years this month and I still absolutely love it! so rewarding and I feel like I'm always learning something fun and new. Love the videos bro! New Zealand is a bucket list visit!

@lewiswallace3319 4 жыл бұрын

I dropped out of school and went snowboarding for 4 years, building in the summer and snowboarding winter. I decided I needed a degree so went to uni. Worked for 5 years in my chosen field and hated it. My mother died and I concluded life is to short to do something I hate. I am now 33 I have been building for 4 years and I am nearly finished my apprenticeship (taken 3 years) wish I’d done it years ago. Love your channel. Chur.

@MikeBramm 4 жыл бұрын

Well you've certainly made a name for yourself now. Glad to see you didn't give up on being a builder. You do some very nice work.

@GreenHawkConstructionltd 4 жыл бұрын

I had a similar experience I dropped out of school as it wasn’t for me. Now I have my own company and I have two apprentices which you can see on KZfaq. Loving the videos buddy 👍

@shannonbil5801 4 жыл бұрын

Fire sprinkler fitter from Aus! Been doing it for about 5years and loving it

@marcmysterio8682 4 жыл бұрын

Hey scott, great video mate, ive been following ur videos for some time now and always wanted to knw what made decide to become a builder. This video answered it all. I am contemplating on doing the same but a bit scared to take the leap. I love DIY and carpentry and may be some day i will. Good luck mate.

@ericliddle7556 4 жыл бұрын

I'm on the opposite side of Scott's situation here. After finishing highschool I had a string of jobs for a number of years... landscaping, car detailing, soup restaurant, customer service, selling and installing blinds and window coverings, more customer service, manager in a call center, back to school for software dev, and as of earlier this year, and nearly 18 years later after highschool, carpentry. The way it all started for me was my in-laws flooded basement and needing a reno. The upstairs. Then bathrooms bad kitchens, then my mom's place too. So yeah, moral of the story - it's never too late to start something new. Cheers.

@aumauanufe 4 жыл бұрын

Wow I normally cut that arc on the table saw. Gonna give the jigsaw a try thanks mate👍

@knotes76 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Scott, you're one of my fav ten channels on KZfaq. I'm a teacher that became a school teacher because my teachers were terrible. If you're ever in Michigan USA let me know and you've got a place to stay and car to use.

@tritonbain9501 2 жыл бұрын

Hay Scott love your videos im about to go out on my own as a builder been in the trade for 15 years and I like you dropped out at 16 but in my last year I skipped classes to go build in the wood work room me and the workshop teacher got on real good and said I don't mine you being here as long as your at school and still learning and then I knew I wanted to be a builder so he told me what was involved and how I needed to get started he said I had potential and for a kid I think that's all someone need to tell you. 15 years later haven't looked back and still love it.

@Streatracer99 3 жыл бұрын

Really wish I'd just done my trade after school (we actually went to primary together Scott haha) ironically my little bro dropped out at 14, and ended up doing his building apprenticeship, now we both live in Aus and I'm working for him! Haha, but loving being on the tools. Great channel mate and really good to see you doing well. Luke

@connormatthews522 4 жыл бұрын

The sparkys and plumbers having it easy really hit home haha

@MsElijah16 4 жыл бұрын

Plumbers deal with some gross stuff though

@epiccollision 4 жыл бұрын

Elijah just do new builds only.

@adammacer 4 жыл бұрын

'Easy' if you like working with metal, glue and plastic all day everyday.. I don't but I do love working with wood and you couldn't pay me to be an electrician or plumber.

@samhollett9705 8 күн бұрын

I drove past a local build and called their office asking for a labouring job so I could decide what I wanted to do. 1 year in I wasn't so sure about carpentry because it's so hard on the body. Eventually the carpenters convinced me to do it. Now coming up to my third year I really enjoy it and almost look forward to work and learning. Also addicted to tools 😅

@ngapuhi4eva 4 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to the barn door video

@GottSegneDich 3 жыл бұрын

Grew up in a family of locksmiths. Rode with my dad and grandpa starting at age 3 since my parents couldn’t afford a baby sitter. Graduated high school, dropped out of college, and started as a locksmith full time. Been doing it ever since.

@blairyanito2352 4 жыл бұрын

Jeeeeeeah this native from AZ I finished school n went up to northwestern Pacific OR, . WA. Found a school building n made it a year graduated and got me a news paper n found a job applied got hired doing manufacturered homes doing additions like garages,steps side walks drive ways in side and out and years later became a carpenter journeyman ,love it making saw dust.

@PaulC1980 4 жыл бұрын

Great story, I didnt know what to do after school so I jumped from one job to another. I was big into motorcycles so I decided to be a mechanic. Ended up working with cars, jeeps and Van's...18 years later I hate the sight of anything mechanical. Money was never great. Doing woodworking in My garage now a couple of years as a hobby. Love it. My father was into carpentry and always wanted Me involved. I always had an interest in working with timber but made a bad choice at a young age and spent the past 18 years stuck at it mainly because it paid the Bill's and to go back and retrain now at 39 years old would be financial suicide. But I'm building stuff now and starting out in a side business in woodworking. Maybe some day it will pay all the Bill's and I'll continue to enjoy it!

@3e2wq1 4 жыл бұрын

i finished year 11 then decided i didnt want the stress of VCE exams, so continued year 12 doing VCAL. (year 12 pass without the exams). printed off an ad and put it in the front window of the tool shop near my house. got a couple calls then got signed up as a 1st year with my first boss.

@reecemesser 3 жыл бұрын

Starting my carpentry apprenticeship at 26 years old. I hope I make it! Thanks for the video

@johnmarkston4883 4 жыл бұрын

I left school at 16 as well, I got a job at a recycling plant before getting a opportunity to start an Carpentry apprenticeship, I’m now 6 months away from becoming qualified and loving it, thanks for great videos Scott

@adrianedhouse5175 4 жыл бұрын

I spend years in the Banking/Finance industry both here and in the UK. When I returned to NZ in 2016 I decided I wanted a change and found a couple of courses at Unitec in Mt Albert (Auckland). After a short course on Carpentry, Furniture making and PLumbing/gasfitting I found I quite liked the Carpentry and spend a further year at Unitec completing a Carpentry Certificate in Applied Technology. Near the end of that course, I spoke with one of the ITAB managers who knew a guy in Silverdale who was looking to take an additional apprentice. He had a word with him on my behalf and gut me the old foot in the door. Now I'm about 6 months from finishing my adult apprenticeship. Totally different from my years in an office environment but I love it, enjoy the varied tasks I complete each day, get to work outdoors all the time, wear comfortable clothes and actually create something with my own hands.

@MsElijah16 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Adrian, I hope you are well , I spoke with you at Itab one time , I still think ITab has a better training program than Bcito, I have found a company that contracts to Bcito to do night classes (LFT Learner Focused Training) so I'm enjoying those

@outerspace6448 4 жыл бұрын

That's awesome to hear. How old were you when you started your apprenticeship?

@adrianedhouse5175 4 жыл бұрын

@@outerspace6448 I had just turned 45 when we got back from the UK. Was 46 when I joined the Company I am completing my apprenticeship with.

@outerspace6448 4 жыл бұрын

@@adrianedhouse5175 thanks so much for the reply Adrian. How did you find the switch and what made you decide that corporate wasn't for you any longer? How'd you cope with the drop in pay? Any dependents/ parther?

@adrianedhouse5175 4 жыл бұрын

@@MsElijah16 Hi. Good to hear you are getting the advantages of face to face training. I prefer it over the 'Read the Books' method BCITO seems to follow.

@barrymundi480 4 жыл бұрын

I worked for my mate/boss for a year and he ended up going bankrupt. So I started my company and he became my tradesman and began working for me lol and signing me off as I go. I'm about to do a big block of tafe to get the last of it sorted. Where there's a will there's a way. I also have one kidney my friend. Mine failed in primary school tho...2 years later I was competing at the Queensland titles for cross country...again where there's a will lol Keep up the great work Scott hopefully I get to meet you next year when I come to NZ!

@benjamindelfs2718 4 жыл бұрын

Finished school in 07, done menial labour jobs etc until my uncle knew a bloke who was a tiler. I started two days later, packed my stuff and moved 700 kms away. I’m 31 now and although I no longer tile, it was good fishing the apprenticeship and having it under me.

@uglycouzin 4 жыл бұрын

Scott Brown is one of my heroes.

@matthewsaltzman5573 4 жыл бұрын

Dropped out within a week of turning 16. I too found my attention drifting more and more the older I got. I always hated school though, mostly because I was poor and treated like the plague by everyone. I always loved working with my hands, and just wish I hadn't waited till I was 41 to start chasing my passion. Now 45 and after 2 years of my own LLC, and about 4.5 years of handyman focused work, which has shifted heavily towards more of a contractor. I tell everyone to not be afraid, to chase what makes you happy. If your spouse doesn't support you, get rid of them too, which I did. You're only here once.

@rasp633 4 жыл бұрын

Put a add in the newspaper for a labouring job. A carpenter rung me up. Two months later he asked if i wanted an apprenticeship. Now 16years later im building millon+ dollar homes and loving it 🤙

@toddbarakat4507 4 жыл бұрын

I worked at a meat processing plant for 20 year . Had enough of the factor life . So at the age of 47 did a pre trade course at wintec here in Hamilton New Zealand for a year . When I graduate from my carpentry course . Got lucky to land a job in building with a local firm . And after a year with this company the boss gave me an apprenticeship . Now at 51 year of age it’s my last year for my apprenticeship. And I really do enjoy building . And enjoy watching SB carpentry. . Keep up the good work

@sylviabrown9186 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome never to.old to.change 🤗

@agonw741 4 жыл бұрын

Have always loved wood and building, but spent 20 years as a youth pastor when I realized working with wood and fixing homes and buildings a different kind of satisfaction. It’s to long cut it. If it’s to short throw it away and get another board. Unlike people, committees, boards blah, blah, blah. So a friend at the time need a property repairman and I was looking for work. That was 2006, 14 years later I’ve worked on commercial, retail, government, residential, condos, high rises, restoration, and it still continues. I’ve met great people and I’ve pieces of ______. But at the end of the day I can still stand back and say I built that. Because I built that someone else can get on with their life. I am mostly self taught. I did apprentice with my brother a proper builder for a year about 20 years ago. Still use many of his techniques to this day.

@Tez73 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant Scott , I know why your makita saw in one of your videos rattles ! My new one was same . I’ve sorted it 😉

@iroler661 4 жыл бұрын

Really upping the intro game Scott ;)

@carlnardo 4 жыл бұрын

Once i finished highschool i had no clue what i wanted to do. Parents told me if i go to college for something so i can atleast have some educational experience. One day i looked out my window and saw a crane and a bunch of formworkers, thought it looked cool so i went to college for 3.5yrs and took construction engineering technology. Got a job as a site clerk for a big commercial builder and learned more about trades and made a choice cuz i felt i was branching towards an office job so i decided to switch to become a formwork carpenter. I asked the foreman on the job if he'd take me and he said ye. That was 4 yrs ago and im still building highrises. In Canada winters are freezing and summers are hot but i enjoy the fact im building and growing a city i was born and raised in.