I Dropped Out of School and Became a Carpenter

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...
Music is "Peace" by Monk / t-s-a-r
...
I'M ON INSTAGRAM www.instagram....
You can support SBC on Patreon www.patreon.co...
The below are affiliate links. I get a small percentage when you buy using these links. It does not cost you anything extra, but helps supports the channel. Thanks!
My Tools
Tool belt amzn.to/3dXMZnk
Tool belt shoulder straps amzn.to/3AI0VLU
Hammer with wooden handle amzn.to/3jRhQ92
Rubber grip for hammer amzn.to/3jTM7UE
Speed Square amzn.to/3yAaE5f
Makita Circular Saw amzn.to/3qYzaKH
Track Saw amzn.to/3dV9wkF
Awesome ratchet clamp amzn.to/3dSGa6s
Impact driver (main drill) amzn.to/3xDmBat
Other drill for pilot holes amzn.to/3yAYjh4
My Table Saw amzn.to/2UzuOxp
My favourite vacuum (newer version) amzn.to/3yxss0S
Full face mask amzn.to/3hH4Cce
Ear muffs amzn.to/3yNAWBl
Green line laser level amzn.to/3yqYdJ0
The Camera Gear I use
Main Camera amzn.to/3AD2if5
Backup Camera amzn.to/3jTGTbv
Main Lens (main camera) amzn.to/3wp0hzU
Lens for Backup Camera amzn.to/3jWaFfU
Microphone amzn.to/36pNWAA
Tripod amzn.to/3yxSeCb
Headphones amzn.to/3xqm2R4
Drone amzn.to/3xp9OrO
Aeropress (Coffee) amzn.to/3ijpvdQ
Donate here if you would like to help the channel
www.paypal.com...
SEND STUFF TO HERE
PO BOX 3506
Richmond 7050
New Zealand
Disclaimer:
These videos are intended to provide information and inspiration only. If you choose to imitate, duplicate or copy anything you may have observed in these videos, you do so at your own risk. Scott Brown Carpentry Ltd does not take any responsibility for any action taken as a result of the information or advice on this KZbin channel and shall not have any liability in respect of any injury or damage that may result.
To view full disclaimer, click here: www.scottbrown...

[@ScottBrownCarpentry]

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

[@robt7165]

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]

Whats your favorite video you made :)

[@gman8557]

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]

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]

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

[@ashleyw1393]

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]

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]

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]

It's ironic! not surprising. ;)

[@Goabnb94]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@1mom69]

@@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]

@@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]

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

[@fanaticz666]

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

[@717UT]

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

[@christopherperez6126]

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

[@connormatthews522]

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]

Give him a plug! Where's the store?

[@benjaaaamin]

Haha think he means chippy as in carpenter

[@connormatthews522]

@@benjaaaamin this haha

[@michaelplays2449]

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 !

[@fernweh2010]

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]

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]

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

[@181defcon]

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]

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)

[@andrewrichter3620]

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.

[@richardbaron7106]

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.

[@danfarmer9393]

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

[@southhillfarm2795]

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!

[@clintburris5520]

please god never change the vibe of your videos

[@christianbilden]

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]

Gratulerer 👍

[@nickshepherd9879]

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

[@gevanleeuwen747]

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.

[@tischlermeistertom]

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

[@thecarpentryapprentice9491]

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]

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]

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

[@thecarpentryapprentice9491]

@@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]

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]

@@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!

[@Sayler92]

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!

[@justsomeawesomeperson6396]

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.

[@michikocooper561]

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]

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.

[@sparter124]

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.

[@donsheldon8121]

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?

[@sarabiakristofer]

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.

[@mtadams2009]

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.

[@grantpatterson1441]

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.

[@ziggysrefurbs1885]

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

[@michaelburton4521]

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

[@timcorbett9629]

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.

[@stuartoughton7845]

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

[@TheJackalope312]

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.

[@georgec2260]

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

[@waughjake]

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.

[@rrkmac635]

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

[@coreymcmickle1748]

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.

[@lewiswallace3319]

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.

[@TheJohnno25]

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.

[@dariusfrench5]

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♥️🇫🇷♥️🇫🇷

[@drewgillespie4073]

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.

[@ericliddle7556]

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.

[@GottSegneDich]

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.

[@N3AThypez]

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

[@stuartcairnie9985]

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 .

[@adrianedhouse5175]

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]

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]

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

[@adrianedhouse5175]

@@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]

@@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]

@@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.

[@PaulC1980]

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!

[@whatchacookin1096]

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".

[@connormatthews522]

The sparkys and plumbers having it easy really hit home haha

[@MsElijah16]

Plumbers deal with some gross stuff though

[@epiccollision]

Elijah just do new builds only.

[@adammacer]

'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.

[@matthewsaltzman5573]

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.

[@keironhiggins9620]

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

[@alvinlung1748]

Here’s my story living in Hong Kong , place of harsh living environment. I quitted my business diploma at 19 and started my apprenticeship. I worked every single day and studied every single night for the licensed plumber and welder. So far i am now 25, feel so proud of myself being the tradesman in this city. Have a bunch of tools is really cool to me.

[@shanelacy6118]

Can’t wait for the barn door install video.

[@jonsturrock2788]

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

[@forrec4]

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!!

[@quinnyboi9]

Started as a sparky, hated pulling in wires. Parents didnt want me to quit being a sparky to be a builder. 1 brother went to Uni and became a surveyor. 5 years of that and he is now a builder with his own business

[@blairyanito2352]

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.

[@kylemcadam4377]

Left school at 16 failed all exams expect woodwork got a job as a carpenter and that’s about it

[@jamess5872]

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]

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.

[@GreenHawkConstructionltd]

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 KZbin. Loving the videos buddy 👍

[@fishbiscuit2000]

Left school at 18, due to start at uni after the summer holidays. I got a summer job labouring with a building company. At the end of the summer my boss offered me a choice - go off to uni as planned and he'd be happy to take me back during the holidays to work for him as a labourer, or stay on and start as an apprentice carpenter. Did my apprenticeship and then got another different job that I did for the next 14 years. Was made redundant from that and picked up the tools again at age 36. That was nearly 20 years ago - never been happier running my own business and working for myself.

[@rasp633]

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 🤙

[@agonw741]

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.

[@ethanaskew584]

This guy was looking for someone to employ to expand his landscaping and climbing frame business. I was currently still in school and doing odd carpentry jobs for people like cabinets and shelves stuff like that. The way I found out was that he had built a climbing frame for my school a while back and he knew a few people. He asking my dad if he knew anyone and he said that I was looking for a building/carpentry job. I went for a trial week just to see what it was like and for him to see weather I was good enough to work for him because its quite a physical job and your working outside 90 percent of the time. I liked it and I started working two days a week until I left school and went to college. I ended up studding Blacksmithing, because that was something i wanted to expand on. The blacksmithing was great but the people that where on the course where people I didnt want to be around, always had something negative to say about latterly anything, so I left after a year and started working full time. I've been working there two and a half years and leaving college to work full time was the best desition I have made so far in my life. I love what I do and the people I work with, and I'm hoping I can help my boss expand his business into something bigger from what it was before when I joined almost three years ago, before I leave and start my own business building small sustainable building around the world. But that is only a dream at the moment. love your videos man, supper inspiring and I get a load of tips and tricks from them as well. Keep up the good work. :)

[@StormyITO]

I dropped out too and became an electrician, and ended up a project manager. Honestly, my heart is in carpentry and after the COVID layoff I have been doing carpentry and remodeling and I love it so much I will never go back. Long story short, you did not miss much by passing up the electrical gig.

[@benjamindelfs2718]

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.

[@justgregnow]

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 🤦😆.

[@toddbarakat4507]

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]

Awesome never to.old to.change 🤗

[@kazukarukelley]

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.

[@craigpeel5995]

Had many jobs before I became an assistant site manager building houses (winged it and leaned on the job) Got promoted time site manager. Did a few years then went onto be a contracts manager in the retail fit out world. Did 10 years then went back into commercial construction for a while. Gave up the job and went to Ireland for a year to renovate my brothers house. Now working as a carpenter and maker of things. It’s nice just being responsible for what you produce and not getting flack because other trades let you down

[@timhall7240]

Finished at my small rural south island school at 16, Moved out and started a building apprenticeship in Christchurch. Finished it by 20 and went on to fund myself through uni studying building science at Victoria University. Recently turned 24 and I am now a project manager for a $23 million project in Wellington. A lot more pathways down the track than what people associate with apprenticeships, especially if you're proactive.

[@ZombieWarningStation]

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!

[@johnmarkston4883]

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

[@andrewstory9763]

Was good at school. Guided into uni because I was good at school. After a few years ended up with a teaching degree. By this stage I’d already ran a flooring business while at uni, because I’d gotten married and needed money. Was a teacher for two years. Wasn’t happy. Wife told me to get my builders license because she knew I’d love it. So I did. Now I’m running building business doing pretty much what you do, but in Adelaide south Oz. As a teacher I saw your scenario a lot, but kids would be forced to finish school. Some kids just need to get on the tools.

[@w3irdsci3nc39]

I was almost the same. Wasnt interested learning at school, No kidney removed for me, but, no college, no university, just took a hobby and ran with it. I'm now a software engineering specialist with a interest of making stuff with wood.

[@tonyanddeb1012]

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.

[@barrymundi480]

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!

[@MikeBramm]

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.

[@PeaKayBerg]

I startet in Norwegian highschool in what we call builders-class for 2 years. Went on as an apprentice, and got my diploma after 2 years more. Figured out my body wasn't going to last as a carpenter for ever, so i wen't to a bigger city and got a degree as a building technician. Since then i've been a project manager for large buildings, small buildings, water/damage-controll. Gotten a degree as a master-carpenter as well. And i am currently working as a consultant making drawings, applications to the city council, and helping contractors in delievering good quality buildings. You can get a bachelors or a masters degree even if you start out as a tradesman, just work hard and consume knowledge.

[@TheBigLeeg]

I was installing office partitions and had Zero health benefits , zero future, and terrible working hours. Usually nights and weekends as that’s what best accommodated those who worked in the cubicles. I was 22 and a friend said why don’t you come hang sheetrock and do steel framing and the company will sponsor you apprenticeship as a carpenter( what we call a builder in U.S.A.) that was 23 years ago. Now I’m a General Superintendent for a large scale Commercial Framing thru Painting contractor in Minneapolis Minnesota, U.S.A. We do mostly hotels , assisted living facilities, hospitals, and high end luxury condos. I ultimately Had to learn Spanish in order to successfully communicate with most of our subs. It used to be the only trade Mexicans would access in Minnesota was roofing. Now I can’t find an American to hang drywall , tape/mud, texture, paint, or hang vinyl wall covering. Literally just the Steel Framers are American. Even wood has gone to the Mexicans. And Minnesota is 2500 miles from Mexico on the Canadian Border!!

[@katrinabell7684]

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

[@jonparker8170]

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 :-)

[@blinderGBS]

Good advice from your Dad. I did a similar thing with my son. Got him a work experience gig with an Electrician. And told him to watch all the trades on the various sites. Work out which one he might like to do. He didn't like school, didn't engage with the teachers, and I found out that he wasn't there that much. In the end the Electrician company offered him a full time job and eventually an apprenticeship (All that in Christchurch NZ). He is now qualified and works in Auckland and loves his work

[@samhollett9705]

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 😅

[@simonbmr]

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

[@XRRS24]

Not a carpenter, but a dropout at 16 as well. 37 now and working for 16 years in a leading Dutch Healthcare multinational, currently in a management position :-) I'm here because I simply love carpentry and working with wood in general! Just redone my whole house, new sealings, walls, hanging doors, redone the electrical installation, literally all except for the plastering 😁 Nothing wrong with dropouts!

[@carlnardo]

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.

[@alexrains1893]

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.

[@tritonbain9501]

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.

[@phoenix25140]

The degree/ corporate trap is a race to nothing for most. I’m 30, many of my friends, me included, have spent years getting ‘proficient’ at our jobs- essentially learning internal software systems that have limited applicability outside of our workplace. The benefits of ‘office’ work are obviously attractive, paid holidays, sick time and good hours but the tasks in a typical workplace are a treadmill of irrelevant KPI driven activities and soul destroying back office work. I’ve been viewing countless trades on KZbin recently and I think many watching wish they had chosen a different path. I can see it’s a tough road- variable conditions, tough competition, costly in terms of tooling but the feedback of producing quality ‘physical’ work must feel incredibly rewarding. 👏🏼

[@henri6595]

You are 100% right about the race to no where. I'm in the same trap as you currently. The pay in Corporate America is pretty great but it's pointless soul sucking work. I've been recently looking for methods out. Been thinking about jobs where I'm my own boss, have good pay potential, and it must be creative. Getting the tools for Carpentry shouldn't be an issue if you done enough time in Corporate America.

[@shannonbil5801]

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

[@rigo4608]

I dropped 2 careers at uni back home ,then study to became a chef, went to Europe for few years and then NZ, I cooked for over 13 years , sick of it went gardening for 2 years, from there jumped into wine sales for a year, then back to cook for another couple of years and at the age of 39 decided to ditch it all , grab a broom and started labouring at a construction site, six months after found a job as hammerhand, and then satarted my apprenticeship in carpentry. So far the most rewarding thing I have done.

[@luisjaimes7757]

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.

[@paulfinnonjoinery]

i left school back in 1997 and ended up working for my dads building company. always had an interest in woodwork so i ended up always getting put with the joiners. eventually i ended up self employed with my own work. never went to college or anything although i got my nvq level 3 by site visits. worked with some hopeless fully time served lads. so i reakon im doing pretty well. love my work. one tip when scribing things like architraves in this vid. try a long point compass. i bought one off ebay for less than a tenner and it is such a useful tool

[@OstravskeJelito]

I started building lifts for german train stations .. iam a cnc mechanic and one day my friend and I went to pub and he was like .. do you want to go with me and make some good money , lets build lifts together .. and here we are , almost two years behind me , from nothing , absolutely .. i didnt know a thing about lifts .. just press button and drive , now we can finish one lift in 3 weeks and its just .. wonderful feeling

[@leonidasking7502]

I did well in school but never did coursework or homework so I knew uni would be a bad idea cus I'd just get smashed and doss about for 4 years. So I stayed in my home town got a job pulling pints, getting smashed and dossing about for 4 years. Then after walking out on the pub job to go traveling I got back, was 22 and one of my neighbors gave me a job going to London fitting bathrooms. It was hard work and I lived 4 hours away from London so it meant traveling a lot and staying in hotels but I loved it, all the tools and going in all the different houses/apartments and building took me back to when I was a kid playing with Lego haha. I got a bit obsessed and used my free time and money to do woodwork in my mum's garage. Now nearly 27 and a self employed bathroom/kitchen fitter but ive done loft conversions, roofing work, ground work and landscaping and anything that customers will let me loose on 😂 last week I made 3 custom doors for a lady with odd frame sizes. Love the channel 🔥🔥🔥

[@saulperez9467]

One of my grandfathers was a carpenter, the other was a jeweler/watchmaker. I graduated with a BFA in art so working with my hands runs in the family.

[@scottcummings5726]

I left school at 16 as well. I was just too much for everyone. Tried every job I could from Baking to Carpentry to Commercial Fishing. Loved them all but really felt at home when I got my electrical Apprenticeship. In the states if you're non union you're more of a "helper" than an apprentice, but I made sure I found good training. I now run my own company and really enjoy seeing our apprentices learning and growing.

[@johncreaby3040]

my Dad was a builder and my brothers and I all had to do a trade. Whatever you wanted to do after it, no problem, but trade first. I hated it. Hated working on site, always did, even as a summer job and working with family wasn't my favorite thing either. Dont know exactly when it changed but I love being a chippy now ( 30 years at it!). I've worked in the Netherlands on big concrete projects, in Germany on house schemes, in America on high end penthouses as a finish carpenter and in Belerus and Moldova on orphanages. I love it. Absolutely love what I do. I whistle on my way to work and on the way home. I'm a trained psychotherapist and I'm hoping to get into carpentry and joinery training in the next few years but I really hope to be working as a carpenter for as long as i can drive a nail. love the vids