killertaxicab
253182
6164
531
I'm getting my BS in Mechanical Engineering in a year. You know what I've learned the most? That my degree, along with all other degrees, would not function a quarter as well if there were not skilled tradesmen and women.
EDIT: Most Viral. Cool. Send gifs of Mike Rowe
Argofuckyourself
Veterinary Technician here, proud of what I do, even if I don't get paid near as much as a people nurse.
leroy666
No! its not. Not to disparage trades, tho. The world needs both.
FinnisRyze
exactly the kinda post i expect from imgur
RedClaws23
Explain to me how my degree in Astrophysics depends on tradesman to have value?
GoAheadAndDownvoteYouFlippingFascist
You clever bastard
ThatWeeBabySeamus
I'm going to say it depends on the situation. An individual with degree can shift from one industry to another where a tradesman cannot.
tittiemcjiggleboots
Equivalent and complimentary are not the same.
secretingredients
You're entitled to your wrong opinion
JockstrapJones
This. Is. Not. Unpopular.
whistlebuzz
This is a massive oversimplification on both accounts. Depends on the trade. Depends on the degree.
Ithinkaboutgoatswhenitouchmyselfbecausegirlsarescary
As someone who works withmechanical engineers as a tradesman. Both are equally as important in making a good team
Sigma2cubed
That is 100% the best way to put it. Work as a team. So many mechE and trades students bash heads up here in The frozen north.
Ithinkaboutgoatswhenitouchmyselfbecausegirlsarescary
Exactly. Each person has a part to play
killertaxicab
I rely on ME Techs because I know that even though I am surely adept with tools, y'all are fucking artists.
Ithinkaboutgoatswhenitouchmyselfbecausegirlsarescary
And as a fabricator it's nice to have a solid idea and print with the math done instead of trying to fumble around and figure it out.
DespiseEveryone
Sure... and you will insist that the tradesmen who work on the same projects get equal pay to you? No, I didn't think so.
CigaretteMan
Except they're not "equivalent". Each has their benefits and drawbacks, all of which are strongly dependent on location.
biggwhytey
All work is noble if nobly pursued.
VigorousButtstuff
Mike Rowe's a cunt, but yes. Learning a demonstrable demonstrable=good. It's just harder to show that right away for some things.
VigorousButtstuff
You can't exactly walk into a hospital and say "Hire me as a doctor, here's my portfolio of work I've done on my own"
mossysabertoothtiger
Going to school should not solely be about getting a good paying job
HairytheSheep
But in the end many people dont want to waste 4 years of life and money on a $40k job. It has to be a little bit about money or benifits
daromander
Thank you. It's about taking classes to expand your horizons. Interacting with different people with different backgrounds and goals
dukenukemforpresident
Your degrees as useless as you make it. Same as a trade. Both are equally important though.
[deleted]
[deleted]
dukenukemforpresident
How so?
UncleAnnie1127
You have not yet worked as an engineer, nor learned a trade, yet claim equivalency? Leap not to conclusions, says this older engineer.
pzummo
If you want to be a tradesman, than I agree. If you want to start as a tradesman and climb the ladder, not having the degree will hurt.
DiamondUnknown
Most importantly, make sure you enjoy what you're doing. Whatever it is.
barnaclebillthesailor
I plan to get a PhD in history and religion. It won't get me a high paying job, but that isn't my goal. I understand that. No complaint.
idonotthinkitownswhatyouthinkitowns
Pro tip: It's also not going to get you laid.
WardSharlow
The priests I know all have sex like you wouldn't believe.
WardSharlow
Technique is not the same as theory. The most brilliant machinist in your company probably doesn't know how to calculate stresses on parts.
Toderdj
They need each other to be successful. Not many men can master both.
[deleted]
[deleted]
AceOfShovels
Design time is expensive, so utilizing existing solutions is ALWAYS encouraged when it's possible.
[deleted]
[deleted]
AceOfShovels
That's just because there's not enough communication upstream and downstream. I'm fortunate to work closely with both, I guess.
PoorBoyChevelle
Engineer here, can confirm. You have no idea how many times I have proposed running tests that more accurately represent the life of my 1/
PoorBoyChevelle
parts, to be told "thats not how we did it last time" "last time we did it wrong" "yes, but the customer expects us to do it the same way"
[deleted]
[deleted]
[deleted]
[deleted]
WardSharlow
And calculating stresses is what keeps people safe.
thekiller0673
Not if the manufacturing is shit
WardSharlow
But I'd rather start with a good idea and hope manufacturing keeps the quality, than a lousy idea and hope that manufacturing fixes it.
smittywjmj
Theorists still need someone to go test the theory. Build the thing. Repair the thing. Sell the thing. Not everything is STEM.
PoorBoyChevelle
Most analysts I know can't draw a FBD to save their life, and many designers I know have drawn things that are physically impossible to make
WardSharlow
No question about the latter. 3D printing has given people a wildly inaccurate notion of what can be CNC'd or injection molded.
Naternutts
Yeah but he might know solidworks, which will do it for him.
baselthe2nd
If he's a CNC machinist, sure he might know CAD.. doesn't make that Solidworks FEA any good or that he can effectively use it
Dark0001
I didn't realize it was a contest?
Wraithofspades
The greatest lie my generation was told was that we needed a 4 year degree to make anything for ourselves.
AdmJota
I wouldn't say equivalent. Better in some ways, not as good in others. Both entirely valid choices for the appropriate people.
AdmJota
By which I mean: if you aren't independently wealthy and aren't planning to be an academic, maybe steer clear of the less practical degrees.
InkyBlinkyPinkyAndClyde
Everyone's just talking about money on here. Is that the only thing you want from your education? I'm going to give an actual unpopular /1
InkyBlinkyPinkyAndClyde
opinion - higher education, if you're open to it, changes the entire way you look at the world. It broadens your horizons. Sure you can /2
InkyBlinkyPinkyAndClyde
do that in other ways too, but I don't think learning a trade is one of those ways. Maybe taking the right trade and the right degree can /3
InkyBlinkyPinkyAndClyde
bring you an equivalent amount of money. But higher education shouldn't just be "for money". And it should be free. That's my opinion. /4
CptnRayHolt
I agree, critical thinking and becoming a lifelong learner was what was fostered for me at uni. enjoyment while working is imperative
samray03
100% agree. Education is about freedom to me
obnoshus
I haven't taken any higher education just as I assume you haven't swung a hammer to eat. Your wrong about that. I've learned more than HS
UrGrammasMonkey
there are hundreds or thousands of jeans for every one who is able to become a suit. You go through piles of jeans, but a suit is for life.
obnoshus
Ever taught me. Simple but profound important shit. About why I do what I do. Why you do what you do. Every thing I see was built by jeans
yuriicide
Probably because most people on here are young
WardSharlow
Or unemployed.
FerricNitrate
This is similar to an argument between the presidents of Harvard and Ohio State--Harvard insisted that education was an unending pursuit 1/
FerricNitrate
of knowledge for the sake of learning; Ohio State insisted that education is meant to serve a purpose in the benefit of self and society. 2/
FerricNitrate
Essentially it comes down to your personal goals, whether they're for expansion of knowledge or pragmatic endeavors. 3/3
InkyBlinkyPinkyAndClyde
I agree to an extent. I think that the pursuit of knowledge should be available to anyone. Higher education should be free. That's how /1
InkyBlinkyPinkyAndClyde
we'll find the people who are well-suited to be thinkers. And I think it's of benefit to everyone who's open to it. It's important for us /2
Borklazer
Aren't tradesmen more likely to have fucked backs and legs by the time they're 40 due to all the hard labour?
Skoff
Obviously it depends on trade and the job. You can be welder in a tuck depot or a art welder. All depends
Borklazer
Disclaimer : not a pop at any tradesmen, just an observation and question.
Spice002
Just depends on the trade.
lildude52ca
I'm an HVAC guy in my 30's and i can tell you both my hands are fucked, my knee's are so bad i cant get off the floor and my back keeps meup
WardSharlow
Sorry to hear it. You're still young, though. If you're this beat-up at 30, you might want to look into a new gig. Good luck.
killertaxicab
Manual labor is just one trade. Be an IT Technician, learn to do AV, paint nails, just learn to be useful!
Borklazer
My mistake. Thought you meant trade as in physical labour, bricky, carpenter, plasterer, joiner etc etc.
Borklazer
My mistake. Thought you meant trade as in physical labour, bricky, carpenter, plasterer, joiner etc etc.
killertaxicab
Correction: One group of trades
bohemiancrabcity
As an AV specialist, shit pays well and is growing fast. I travel the word on the company $ and genuinely like my job. Infocomm CTS gets..
bohemiancrabcity
You in the door at most AV shops. Costs a couple hundred to get the certification.
mydailydoseofantidepressantsisyourbooty
The ones that pay as well as ME degrees generally have MUCH worse consequences than that.
voodoosexdoll
Not if you're an electrician.
Drosophilamelanobastard
It's not equivalent, but it's not better or worse. They are for different people who want to accomplish different things.
BenSpacey
In the UK it can be equivalent, degree level apprenticeships for example
TrumpsTinyHand
If I've spent 13 years mastering the skills of my trade, how is that education somehow less significant than what was learned taking notes
ConstantlySearchingForMyDadOnImgur
This is what needs to change in our culture so many people don't even think of trades as an option and end up getting degrees they don't lik
hedgewizard
Or are only able to accomplish different things. Not everyone is suited to college.
am0k
True, but not everyone is suited to medical school. I don't say that medical school is equivalent to my BS degree.
hedgewizard
Or are only able to accomplish different things. Not everyone is suited to college.
stankychicken
Me
am0k
True but college requires more pre-requisite work, so it isn't equal.
hedgewizard
As noted, there are different abilities. A college student can't always do what an apprentice can.
am0k
And neither can do what a medical doctor does. There are differences...
Drosophilamelanobastard
The importance of each kind depends on the situation.
Drosophilamelanobastard
And not everyone in college is suited to weld seams on an active gas pipeline. There are many kinds of skill and intelligence.
Corin
Nah. Anyone can learn to weld with enough time & effort assuming no physical disabilities. Not everyone is smart enough for school.
Drosophilamelanobastard
You are placing a lot of weight on innate intelligence, but I feel that motivation and grit are much bigger factors in succeeding in school.
TimeFoDat
Who are all these posts attacking? Is there an army of people with degrees treating tradesmen like shit that I don't know about?
[deleted]
[deleted]
TimeFoDat
Well I'm sorry about that. I never treated anyone like shit for not having a degree though I am proud of mine and worked hard for it.
dmendez199
Agreed. Aircraft maintenance technician here
jimmydungis
Hey i just got a job fabricating and machining for an aircraft restoration place! Airplanes are the shiznat
nowiknowwhytrexhassmallarms
I was a maintainer on fighter jets for 10 years. Becoming/being an engineer is harder than you could ever imagine.
Eightysixbobber
I have my degree in Aeronautical Engineering (mechanical) but without licenses it's not worth too much if I want to be on the spanners!
Eightysixbobber
Also, just FYI I've been on the spanners for 9 and half years, did my degree whilst working... Still bending spanners also!
TheDrunkenWrench
Diesel tech checking in! Stuuupid money!
Bombpier
In progress my self, can't wait to get out there. I'm a bit disappointed in the training school program
TheDrunkenWrench
Never went to school for this job, worked long enough in the field that the ministry just let me challenge the exam.
bretthap
I really want to transition from auto mechanic to aircraft mechanic
puresummit
Get your A&P licence.
dmendez199
It's a 2-3 year program but it's totally worth it. I'm with United Airlines now, but it took me 6 years to get here after school.
bretthap
I imagine the airline industry isn't flat rate? If not, do you feel the salaries are fair
dmendez199
Hourly union jobs. It wasn't terribly bad up until recently, but it has just gotten better pay within the last year or two.
MikeMcAwesome91
Birmingham ANG here.
Rev0veR
Mind me asking how much can you make in this field/ how does one become this? @dmendez199
dmendez199
You won't become rich and famous, but you can make (depending on where you end up) between $35-$50 an hour. Decent.
[deleted]
[deleted]
Toderdj
Nice username you got there fellow millwright.
MrToego
Hoping to start school on that next year.
dmendez199
Right on
killertaxicab
Fuck yeah, airplanes. Thanks for putting up with us egg heads who say, "Yeah, it'll work within spec"
RanchoCucamonga
No offense, but if you think that your Engineering degree has equal value to a trade, you didn't try to get much out of your degree at all.
PoorBoyChevelle
Define 'value'
MikeMcAwesome91
I think he may have been saying his design is useless without people that make it work.
RanchoCucamonga
I was responding to the post itself rather than his comment.
nowiknowwhytrexhassmallarms
I was a maintainer on fighter jets for 10 years and now I'm an engineer. Becoming/being an engineer is harder than you could imagine.
dmendez199
Hahahaha, work within specs...... That's a good one! +1
dmendez199
Hahahaha, work within specs...... That's a good one! +1
NivalisAngelus
Oh boy I'll be putting my trust in you jokers in the future! (If getting a pilot's license works out)
PoorBoyChevelle
Aircraft (Nacelle) Engineer here. I have a love/hate with you guys, but then again I only ever get to hear about the things you break. AOGs
dmendez199
Our failures are known, our successes are not.
Toderdj
Well said.
wegonfight
Fair. I'm still gonna pay my doctor and lawyer more than the guy who tiles my floors though.
feeltheice
Hell I pay my tile guy close to $50/hr. His work is amazing
Adato88
Over time maybe but to get my floor tiled would be a lot more expensive than going to a doctors visit!
BradleyNorby
Takes a lot more time too
AphroditesDimples
In Australia at least, tradespeople (including tilers) can make similar incomes to doctors or lawyer's.
AphroditesDimples
Though might be more of a gap when it comes to specialists or corporate law or something. But GPs and general solicitors on the other hand.
stresstwig
if you want a floor that lasts, you'll pay them well, whatever the price you agree on with them.
wegonfight
But if I skimp on the floor, I won't wake up in a bathtub full of ice missing a kidney.
minkuschild
You need ditch diggers before an archetect. Thats all im sayin.
RepostSadistic
Ditch diggers, quiddich players, we need them all
CometLaHal
isnt the process design then execute?
wegonfight
True, so I would pay them first. But anyone can dig a standard ditch. Not everyone knows the physics behind designing a building.
stresstwig
not everyone can lay tile. doing it correctly takes skill.
wegonfight
True. But the difference between well done tile, and mediocre tile is not life threatening.
maglen69
Until your plumbing goes out at 8 PM then you're paying the plumber more than the doctor.
EnergyFiend
As a lawyer, our degree is a total sham. You only learn to practice out in the field. It would be better to just have an apprenticeship.
cmonaussie
Yeah, but half the point of law school is to meet people and the other half is teaching you how to be properly prepared.
smittywjmj
That's entirely fair, but people don't value the work properly if you ask me. More to a job than just money.
Dark0001
Actually you are unlikely to do that, at least in Canada. Guy who came to fix my fridge charged $150/hour. I don't make that in my office
wegonfight
If you need something cold, why not just walk outside? :)
Dark0001
Haha :). I live in the only part of Canada that's "warm" in the winter
[deleted]
[deleted]
Zimno
Only in America since we're so sue happy. Creating a giant circle of expensive medical care. Expensive college means doctors 1/2
Zimno
2/2 need more to cover costs of it. Then they made a bunch then people got sue happy and need more for liability insurance.
wegonfight
Some, not all.
platosrevenge
Hopefully you only need doctors and lawyers every so often but you're gonna walk on that floor everyday
am0k
Tiled my own floor via google. Not going to administer chemotherapy to myself via google
ThatGuyWhoIsAlwaysThatGuy
If he puts the floor in right you only need him every so often. & I can diy tile. I can't diy surgery.
lizardbones
Yeah, but that "every so often" is going to be much more significant than that floor.
ARealHumanandNotaChatBot
I think you're right about the the doctorates but getting a accounting degree just to work for the plumber who has a GED is more the point.
ARealHumanandNotaChatBot
Source: Sister has BBA and manages a shoe store. Brother cuts grass and makes 3x salary.
ARealHumanandNotaChatBot
Wife is a DVM and makes more than both.
platosrevenge
Debatable
wegonfight
Me waiting for the debate to start. http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/popcorn_yes.gif
am0k
I can tile my own floor. Can't install a pacemaker...
stevenwonder
not w/thattitude
lizardbones
So you're telling me that if I broke my legs, it's more important that my tile flooring that i'd never walk on again looks nice (1/2)
platosrevenge
If the cheaply done flooring was the reason you broke your legs then bet your ass you'd be wishing you paid a lil more for better tile job
lizardbones
than it is to have someone properly fix my broken bones? (2/2)
frostybawls
In canada I do pay the guy whos tiles my floor more then i pay the doctor.
BradleyNorby
Well played Canada
CowboyZ
Also Canadian, and to be fair a big portion of our 35% income tax pays for our doctors.
frostybawls
Im fine with this, id probably end up spending that money on even more doctor inducing activities.
FamousOnce
Do you guys have tiered rates too? Our top tax rate of 33% in NZ isn't hit until $70k.
Toderdj
That's about par. I paid 38% and made 80k.
illogicalphallusies
the sad part is that the US has a similar tax % and still dont get their doctors paid for...
TearingAway
awwww yeah we do! America #1!
frostybawls