I'm an apprentice but this is usually my everyday carry (EDC) (earphones, Milwaukee 6-1 box cutter, 6 driver bits, measuring tape) would y'all be ok with this or is this too much or not enough or needs to be stored better?

Hey everyone, I’m 22 and looking to start a long-term career in the trades after another career path didn’t work out as planned.

I’ve been looking into HVAC apprenticeships around DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, particularly commercial HVAC and eventually building automation/controls.

I have experience working airport ramp operations, handling equipment, following safety procedures, and doing some basic vehicle maintenance and hands-on projects. I’m not afraid of physical work, working remote government contracts, and I’m willing to learn

I’m looking for a trade with good long-term earning potential, opportunities to advance, and a decent work-life balance.

My questions:
Would you recommend HVAC, or should I consider another trade?
Is commercial HVAC or building automation a good path?
What apprenticeship programs or companies in the DMV would you recommend?
If you were starting over at 22, what trade would you choose?
I’d appreciate advice from people actually working in the trades. Thanks!

Okay so sorry if this is a long one. I want to do construction. I know I know just hear me out. I'm imagining blue-collar work, hours on end, high pay kind of stuff. Like building house frames, pouring concrete, operating heavy machinery, that kind of stuff. Nothing electrical, technical, or anything like that. I want to be physically out on the job site breaking my back with a hard hat on building some sort of structure out of wood and a hammer in my hand. But here's the thing. I don't know how to do that. People are like "take apprenticeships" while other are saying "apprenticeships are terrible don't do that they only want to use you for work." Some are like "don't go into trade it's not worth it" while others are wanting to promote trade. Some say that they under pay you and others say that you can make bank from construction. I've done so much research and even talked to school counselors but everything is leading to a dead end and it doesn't help that I only want to stay within Texas. I don't care what city, I just want to stay in Texas which decreases my options for education. So what do I do then? I don't want to be a manager or run a business, I just want to be doing the actual work my whole life and make decent money. Any opinions or advice, literally anything will help.

Title: New girlfriend of an ironworker starting 7-day, 12-hour shifts — advice on how to support him?
Hey guys! I’m hoping to get some advice from ironworkers here, especially those of you who work long hours, travel, or go through stretches of 7 days a week, 12-hour shifts.
I recently started dating an ironworker, and he’s about to start working these kinds of hours. I know how demanding this trade can be, and I want to learn how to be the best girlfriend I can be and support him through it.
On my days off, I go over and help meal prep, do his laundry, and get things organized so he has less to worry about when he gets home. On nights when I’m off work, I try to have a nice dinner ready for him, help pack his lunches, and generally make things a little easier so he can focus on working, eating, showering, and getting some much-needed rest. And let’s just say he definitely gets all the loving he wants when we have time together! 😂
I genuinely enjoy taking care of him and doing these little things. I know he works hard, and if I can take something off his plate, I want to do that.
At the same time, I realize that when someone is working 12-hour days, seven days a week, they aren’t going to have much energy left over. I understand that we might not get the same amount of quality time together for a while, and that big date nights or going out and doing things might not be realistic when he’s exhausted. I’m trying to be understanding of that and not take it personally.
But I’d love some advice from the guys who have actually lived this lifestyle.
What are some things your partner can do that genuinely make your life easier or help you feel loved and supported when you’re working these kinds of hours?
Are there little things that mean a lot to you after a long shift? Is it having food ready, keeping the house comfortable, giving you space to decompress, physical affection, a quick text during the day, or something else entirely?
And for those of you who have been in relationships while working these schedules, what helps you maintain a good relationship when you’re physically exhausted and don’t have much time or energy to give?
I’ll be honest, I know I’m probably going to get a little lonely sometimes. I love spending time with him, and I’m going to miss that. I’m not expecting him to entertain me after working 12 hours, and I don’t want him to feel like he has another obligation waiting for him when he gets home. I just want to find ways to stay connected and make the time we do have together count.
I’d especially love to hear from the older guys, married guys, or anyone who has made a relationship work through long stretches of demanding work.
What did your partner do that made you feel appreciated? What do you wish she had understood about your job? And is there anything I should avoid doing, even if my intentions are good?
I’m genuinely here to learn. I want to support him, make his life a little easier, and build a healthy relationship that works for both of us.
Thanks in advance, fellas! I appreciate any advice you’re willing to share.

Blue collar fellas i understand you guys love your monster energy drinks. If youre feeling generous share with me the double xp code on the side of it so I can game lol. Thank you!

In the landscaping field and looking for some over the ear hearing protection recommendations that are low profile, have a good Noise Reduction Rating (25+ would be ideal), and something that has been tried and tested. Let me know what y’all use and if you’d recommend them or not.

Hello everyone, I’m having a hard time finding a job in blue collar. If you are a laborer in Minnesota please give advice! Im a 19 years old male, I’m trying to leave the healthcare field ( I work as a CNA).

I’m currently trying to find construction laborer job positions online to apply to but they are either 1. Require some minimum experience. 2. They are far away, like states away, 3, they what applicants to have on osha 10 and cpr.

I originally want to get my class b cdl but I have a cellphone violation from last fall of 2025. And I know texting and driving is bad I clearly understand that consequences of my own actions and why you keep hands off your phone, SO I DONT WANT TO HERE ANY UNNECESSARY CRITICISM, I just need advice and help. Do I walk in or call companies and ask to be a helper or laborer? Or am I looking in the wrong places online. I just need a job that helps me pay bills and helps me progress so that eventually when I’m ready, I can get my cdl.

Thank you

Need opinions ASAP plz

For context this link leads to my other post that I showed about how they didnt like me mentioning the word "union"

https://www.reddit.com/r/union/s/SJtPG78k2r

Hello everyone, I just got a job at a company that does many types of insulation work. From thermal insulation using mineral wool and fiberglass, to waterproofing using various compounds(in our current project we use Hydrodesmo System) and various other such jobs.

My question is whether it's likely to get long term respitory damage from the materials or the adhesives used to apply them. None of the guys on the jobsite wear a mask, and I'm wondering whether I'm paranoid or not.

How does anyone deal with the back pain. I feel like I'm lifting with my legs though honestly not sure. My back is killing me though. I'm not even like a heavy machines mechanic. I'm a car mechanic, but lifting heavy ass tires every day and removing heavy ass metal skid plates off of some of these trucks destroy my back. Not to mention I have to look up for hours at a time to look at cars, but I also have to lift my hands and arms up for hours at a time to fix issues while under them. Anyone have any tips?

I swear energy drinks have become part of the uniform at this point lol. Half the guys on site have a Monster in their hand before the shift even starts. I used to be fine with one in the morning but lately it's turned into another one after lunch just to get through the rest of the day. Especially when it's hot out and you're doing physical work for 8-10 hours.

The thing that gets me is feeling dead tired by the time I get home but then struggling to sleep when I actually get to bed. Wake up feeling like crap and end up doing the same thing the next day. Been trying electrolytes mixed with sparkling water lately just to have something other than plain water or another energy drink. I'm hoping cutting back on caffeine helps me sleep better too. I've heard magnesium can help with winding down but I don't know how much of a difference it'll make. Just tired of needing a can of something to feel normal at work.

22f and I’m trying to find entry-level positions for mechanics in Michigan. Every time I look up stuff it gives me UTI but UTI in Michigan does not offer mechanics and I don’t know what to trust. I don’t know what to go for. I don’t know anybody that’s a mechanic and I’m so fearful that I’m going to be led down to a dead end. I know I could pay for school, but I do not have the money to do so hence why I’m trying to get into some type of entry level trade. I feel so defeated. I don’t wanna keep working retail it’s so draining and so sucking and leads to nothing.

Any advice would help

Hey guys, looking for some real advice on my plan to get into the trade out here in Cali. I’m 17 right now, turn 18 in late January, and my dream is to be a lineman.
I'm currently debating between two different schools because of the timing. I got a spot held for me at the East LA Skills Center, but the next class isn’t until August 2027 and the program takes a whole year to finish. So I wouldn't even graduate and sign books until August 2028.
Because of that long wait, I'm thinking about just taking out a loan and going to Northwest Lineman College (NLC) in Oroville for the May 2027 class instead. NLC is only 15 weeks, so I'd graduate by August 2027—literally the exact same month I would just be starting the free school. Getting a job 15 months faster as an IBEW groundman making good money with overtime seems like it might be worth the debt instead of waiting around. Plus another big upside with NLC is I could get my crane cert done there too.
I’m also debating on the CDL. I'm thinking about knocking it out for cheap at my local community college right when I turn 18 in February before line school starts. If not, I'll just pay to do the CDL at NLC if I end up going there.
What do you guys think is the best move here? Is it smarter to stay out of debt, wait it out, and do the 1-year program? Or should I take the loan, crush NLC, and get out on the books a whole year sooner? Also is it better to do the CDL at the community college first or just do it all at NLC? Appreciate any advice from guys working on the West Coast.

Small town mom and pop residential. 20 years custom cabinetry and millwork, 15 years full turnkey construction. small remodels to million dollar homes. I can dig holes, finish concrete, frame, siding, windows, sheet rock, my mudding is atrocious, texture, paint, metalwork, full cad drawing, architectural drawings, logistics, plans. but specialize in anything finish millwork. Residential contractor test passed, Municipal code inspector test passed, planning on completing the rest of the inspector tests. Missed out on the city public works director position to someone a bit more political, and more knowledgeable about the public works side. But completely ignorant of any codes. Being small, as a supervisor, there isn’t any room to move up unless I go out on my own. Currently at about 75k gross/year. Just feeling like I have nowhere to go until the boss retires. Starting over anywhere else kills me.