Question about union jobs, apprenticeships and being mentally ill.

[De Leonist]

Hey all, I've been seriously considering looking into the skilled trades. I've always loved working with wood. My current situation does not allow me to do it though. Also it's been a while since I've done a very physical job. One of the reasons I've been considering getting into the skilled trades is because at least here in Iowa they're heavily unionized. In fact despite being traditionally a red state Iowa Unions seem to be doing pretty well. But here's my the deal because of my Autism my interview skills, available references, and overall resume sucks. The few jobs I have been able to get in my life have either been found through somebody I know or just because I was the only one who tried applying for it despite the amount of time the position was open. I'm thinking of trying to approach the local headhonchos and explaining my situation and seeing if there is any way they'd be willing to give me a shot in an unpaid, voluntary sort of way at first and than decide if they'd be willing to take me on as an apprentice. I realize that would probably be pretty unorthodox for them. But the usual route just does not work for me and at this point I'm out of ideas. I'm approaching 30, I need to find a way into a decent paying job.

So my question to those who work in the skilled trades is would this work ? If not, what other route would you suggest aside from the usual one ?

thanks in advance

[lumberjack_jeff]

1. I don't know how it works in Iowa.

In my state, my county contracts with the local chapter of The Arc to provide referral to help people with developmental disabilities such as autism get the services they need. Here in this state one of those services is job coaching and workplace support personnel.

One of the challenges in Washington is that to qualify for the highest level of services, you have to demonstrate a cognitive deficit or other significant barriers. "Just autism" doesn't qualify an individual here.

I found this link on the Iowa Division of Mental Health and Disability Services website. I would find the nearest of these organizations to you and ask them for advice.

My son has autism, I build boats, and I wholeheartedly support what you're trying to do. Be aware however that (and I know this may or may not be the case for you) many people with autism process language differently, and phrases like "look out!" on a jobsite often don't allow time to process and consider. Consider safety ramifications when looking for a skilled trades job. I would try to steer my son away from framing and roofing, or other high-speed productivity driven jobs and toward cabinet shops or electrical work.

Do you like computers? The reason I ask is that much of cabinet shops work is organized on a computer. It has become one of a cabinetmakers primary tools.

[Warpy]

2. You're not too old to handle an apprenticeship

While you might be taken on as casual labor on a job site, if you really want to know how to break into any union, call the union.

Trade school can be another avenue.

Besides construction carpentry, consider cabinet and furniture making.

Good luck.

[xfundy]

3. Commendable!

I also deal with a mental illness, which has kept me from being able to work/concentrate for some time. I did reasonably well in my own business for a few years, then the illness hit, and my family went out of their way to make it worse.

One of the things that (most?) people need is WORK, to be able to feel we are contributors to the world, to feel we have an opportunity to at least try to make a positive difference, to feel we have a purpose beyond ourselves. To get paid for our efforts and to be able to spend our earnings in a way that satisfies us.

If I were to demand that you get out there and be relentless, I'd be a hypocrite, as my anxiety keeps me indoors most of the time and depression keeps me in bed sometimes for over 24 hrs at a time, and I'm in no position to judge others.

The meds work to the degree they can, as I'm finally not thinking about death 24/7, but that's my problem, not yours.

I hope and envision you going out and getting some WORK and making a difference, in your own life and the whole world.

[roody]

4. How about a vocational program at

community college?

[Omaha Steve]

5. An update?

Just wondering.