Doing post secondary, the frugal way.

**mommy4ever** · 08-15-2011, 04:05 PM

Now this is so exciting for us.

Our ds started in an Apprenticeship program last July, after grade 10. Trades are often overlooked as a viable career, but since he was completely undecided about what he wanted to do, there was NO way I wanted him in University trying to find his way, the debt load would be insane.

So, he entered what is called here, the RAP program. He was given employability courses, WHMIS, first aid..... then set out to get a job. He was hired last July for a 7 month period. He started at $12/hour after 4 weeks, became a 1st period apprentice, and was bumped to $18/hour. Now apparently, I've gotten through to him, as he's saved nearly 95% of what he's earned! So it's great.

Fast forward, after a semester of school, he's been looking for work. He's sent out several resumes both for apprentice and a part time job, so if he didn't get a position he'd be earning a little something while going to school. No calls for an interview. His grandfather got a couple leads, and until today, no feedback. Today we received a call that there is no work, so no new hires....

So we're still thinking it's back to school. Dh emailed a number to us that was hiring all levels of apprentices. He called, the guy said to come in but don't worry about a resume since at his age he'd have no relevant experience. He brought his resume(since he did have 1000 hours experience in the field), and interviewed. They said they'd look into the program with HR since he is only 17, they needed to know if there were any issues. He called back just now, ds needs to go in to pee in a cup to be screened, and he starts work Monday! WOOHOO!!! He'll be making over $18/hr and they said that once graduates in June, he can come back if everyone is in agreement and continue his apprenticeship with them as a regular apprentice.

I'm SO proud of him. He interviews very well, comes across level headed and sincere, but it's getting him in for an interview.

SO, now he'll again be saving most of his money. His saving will take a hit, as he'll be getting a car(dh is mechanic, it'll be cheap to get) and pay insurance and gas, once he gets his license, but he'll be saving most of his wage. He doesn't really go out.... never has. He bikes for entertainment with a buddy and games with dh. Camps with us and uses the water craft(so a little gas there) So he's not a big spender. He has no serious girlfriend. I predict that by 21 years old he'll have a wicked down payment for a home if he chooses to move out then, or be able to pay his way through University while living at home if he decides what he wants. But he completely and thoroughly enjoyed the trade last year. He got on well with his foreman and co-workers. I hope he has more decent co-workers again this year, and that he'll head back to them in July. He'd be ready for first year schooling next summer.... meaning a nice raise when that is done. He'll have a $1000 scholarship so his first year school would cost him only $350 including books

very exciting!

I know a few teachers had talked to me about ds doing trades. "He's such a smart boy, it's a pity he's going into trades." I have told them we're a family with 4 kids, there is no way we can pay 100% of their education. This doesn't mean he won't continue to other higher education, but it is a means to pay for it. Plus it's something you can always fall back on once you have the redseal, you're licensed, period. There is 4 months summer in university, enough to earn most of the books and tuition fees for at least one semester, places like Home Depot would allow for a pt job in the trade as well. "Oh, that is so smart to do! Good for you guys for thinking of that."... ummmm...hello? It's kinda sad when people just see the black and white...trade or professional... nothing in between. I know a lawyer who was first a journeyman plumber, it paid his way all the way through law school with $0 debt. Nothing to snub your nose at

So he's got his school financing started..lol. By earning it. If he does decide he doesn't want to go to University, then he has a nice downpayment on his own home. We predict he'll be home til about 24 yo.

**mh3rdwheel** · 08-15-2011, 05:06 PM

You have done a great job with your son, you showed him what to do to earn money for college, plus showed him how to save. WTG
You have a wonderful and responsible son.

Keep us informed.

**Imarachne** · 08-15-2011, 05:29 PM

Good job ! You've given him an education on real life skills !!

**MissSeetonFan** · 08-15-2011, 05:48 PM

Very good job with your son!

When my dad got out of the military after Vietnam, he chose to do trades. They paid for some training, so he apprenticed to a locksmith. He was always telling us that if we learned locksmithing, we would always have something to fall back on.

None of us ever did train with him, but we did all learn to work. Your son will definitely appreciate it!

**zakity** · 08-15-2011, 08:23 PM

What a good idea! I have a son who is planning on welding to pay for his college.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 08-16-2011, 04:39 PM

That is fantastic! I wish I'd gotten a start like that!!! Way to go!!

**mommy4ever** · 08-16-2011, 06:43 PM

He just completed their mandatory drug and alcohol screening, and passed(of course), and they told him his starting wage.... $21.60

I'm reeling! He must have made a good impression!

**Debbie-cat** · 08-16-2011, 06:49 PM

That's wonderful!!!! What a great opportunity for him.

**shoiji** · 08-17-2011, 11:13 AM

Years ago in high school my brothers worked as movers. The pay was really good and they tips were great. They were able to pay for most of the college education. After college my one went into the moving industry. He just liked it that much!

You are really doing great with your son. It sounds as if he is doing something he really enjoys and is learning many different things for his future.

**mommy4ever** · 08-17-2011, 11:36 AM

Great idea!

I'm working on my girls..lol.

DD14 wants to be a teacher. I want her to take this RAP program in school anyway. It won't delay her at all, but it would allow her to earn her way through University and not worry about working lots of hours part time for minimum wage. There are many trades a female can do.

In fact, once my baby reaches Jr. High(4 years), I'm seriously considering becoming an electrician. I'll only be 41/42... so lots of time to work.

I'm learning through my kids. I really wish we'd known about this program when I was in highschool(It was around then).

**peanut** · 08-17-2011, 05:48 PM

As someone who's children have gone through university racking up so much debt they couldn't finish their degrees, I admire your approach and have nominated your post for topic of the week.

University expenses can be very high. There are ways to do it cheaply, including pay-as-you-go. If someone isn't set on what they want to do, they need to take a deep breath and step back. I will admit mine did that for a year. But then they were excited by certain areas, perplexed how to go about affording it afterwards, and went the Student Loans route.

They also had aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. telling them "education debt is good debt". I even got sucked in a couple of times on that, despite grave misgivings. I had no idea the amount of debt those kids would rack up!

I was thinking maybe $10K... Boy, was I wrong!

I don't know what it is with Student Loans...why they feel they have to give thousands of dollars a year to someone getting a history degree or a creative writing degree. But they did. My children have come away with high five figure debt, and only 2 or 3 years of university under their belts. Either they became disenchanted with their degree path, or they couldn't get anymore money from student loans (ahah! They do have their limits!)

One thing it did teach one of them at least (the second remains to be seen) is that CCs, the government of Canada, and their parents are not a bottomless source of money! They are working hard 60-70 hours a week to pay off their debt. That is ludicrous! But they are on a mission. To get it paid out in four years. This is no way to live though...working minimum wage jobs to pay out huge debt...as some of you know!

So mommy4ever: I really applaud the approach you've taken to getting your boys through post secondary education debt free!

**EnglishTeacha** · 08-24-2011, 03:14 AM

Congratulations to your son! My nephew just graduated high school in June here in Maine, and will start an apprenticeship with a small engine repair business this fall. My nephew has autism, and while he's quite high functioning, traditional schooling beyond high school isn't what's best for him. He took vocational/trade courses in high school and will get work experience and more learning through his apprenticeship. My nephew has his own lawn care business so he is making money and learning as he goes. His mom, my sister, has a business degree and is teaching him about billing and accounting, the business side of working for yourself.

I worked my way through college in the hotel industry and as a receptionist. I prefer teaching by a long shot, but I am glad I have other skills "just in case." My mother made me take typing in high school. (I wanted to take basic home repair and auto mechanics, but she wouldn't sign off on them!) I can type faster than I can write by hand, was an extremely efficient receptionist, and I'm lucky I married a handy guy, because while in my current career typing has been pretty darn useful, I'm not too good with home repair or car repair!

**TheRootedNomad** · 08-24-2011, 08:27 AM

Some of our High Schools in this area have "magnet" programs for different things such as business, art, technology, equine studies, ect. No one has to go to thier "home" school if they apply for a program and get in. My older son who has always said he wasn't going to college applied for and was accepted to the one that has an automotive program. We are still encouraging college but at least I know he'll have something decent to fall back on. One of the guys we first got to know when we moved here years ago was a mechanic that runs his own shop. He likes to horse trade, is frugal, fair with his customers, and if I had to place a bet I would bet that his net worth is higher than anyone else I know including the doctors, lawyers, ect. Makes me feel much more comfortable with the idea of him maybe not going