Couldn't be happier

[Nolatoolguy]

If you have been a tooltalk member for a while you've probably followed me since highschool. I know my last few updates were not the best. I just got some news today that I have to tell my wrench buddies.

Short version...
my work will pay for college classes.

Long version...
In high school I had a part time job that got my intrested in welding. I did a little mig welding an really easy fabrication but that's it. Out of highschool(2013) I started going to a community college for welding while continuing doing mig at work. I wasn't able to complete school like I planned. Lots went unfininished for various reasons but I did have a few skills. Fast forward a little an I took a apprenticeship in Utah. It was hard but I excelled very quikly an moved up.

Today I accepted the offer to go to local college. It was mentioned before an looked into but not official. I will take a few tig an sub arc classes in welding. A lot of basic manual machining classes. I then have several for the engineering side.

I can already do some of the stuff an know the basics. I do not necisarly know exactly why or what I am doing but can get the end result. My way is also not always the correct way but it gets done. With that said I can't wait to learn more. Even since I was young I have learned mostly from those who know more then me. I would watch them do it an if they offered to explain i listened. The more my knowledge the better. It also doesn't hurt to have fancy paper certificates in today's society.

Work is covering everything required. I do have a agreement that I will work for them for a amount of time or I pay certain costs back. I also have to maintain a certain gpa or they won't continue with the next semester. What there asking is very reasonable for what I am getting. I wouldn't be able to do this if it wasn't for my work.

Of course I am a worried but I can do it. I know it won't be easy but it's possible if I put the work in. I have never been a classroom type so the engineering classes scare me the most.

Next week I will order tools for school. Mainly tools for the machining classes. If required it will be paid for by work. Once classes an my time at company are complete the hand tools will be mine. The only thing I am going to buy is a laptop. I could use one of theres but I chose to buy my own. Most of all ile be learning for the future.

An a big thank you to those members who encouraged me through the harder years.

[Yadda]

Congrats!

[Papaw]

We have always had your back through thick and thin.
You will succeed, Neil!

[john k]

This sounds great.  Your shop time will aid you a great deal as you will already know the (WHY), and now learn another way to get there.  Good, real good. 

[bill300d]

Congratulations on taking the next step. I'm confident you will do well.

[amecks]

Very good news!

[Bill Houghton]

"Even since I was young I have learned mostly from those who know more then me. I would watch them do it an if they offered to explain i listened. The more my knowledge the better."

That kind of approach to your work is what gets you ahead, and, no doubt, is why your employer is willing to pay for you to go to college.  Great news!

[lptools]

Great news, and best wishes to you!!!

[gibsontool]

Way to go, you have always had a good attitude and I'm sure you can handle the classes. Congratulations.

[skipskip]

Proud of you!!

Skip

[oldgoaly]

You got the ball run with it!

[Nolatoolguy]

Thanks guys, I was glad to give the news to you after all support given through other times.

I also hope everyone has a good year.