I guess it's official, I signed the formal letter of acceptance with Indiana University today. Will begin a four year apprenticeship in January, last day for the shop is Dec. 4th. Big changes ahead, excited for what the future holds.
"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"
If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1) And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1) Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT? PB answer: It depends.
Brian you're not slow, I just haven't said anything until now. My wife and I have known for some time that our family was headed for a crossroads, we just never knew when we would arrive, or which direction we would turn once there. This last year and a half, a course began to present itself that seemed to fit our needs pretty well. A large part of our new direction involves a change of vocation for yours truly, and I began to search in earnest this past spring. Truthfully, after nine years here in this shop, I'm ready to move on.
Certainly I needed something that would provide for my family's security, but I also wanted something technical in nature, and challenging. Soon discovered that was a difficult combination to locate in today's job market. So, when the position of Elevator Mechanic apprentice opened up at the university, I applied.
They told me there were over 50 qualified applicants for the position. And after almost four months of transcripts, letters of recommendation, interviews, and hours of skills/assessment tests, fortune favored me.
And Zep I agree. At 49 I'm old for an apprentice. And while they were tactful and polite during yesterday's meeting, there is no doubt in my mind that the same thought crossed their minds a time or two also. Still, I'm excited at the prospect of what I'm about to learn, and what I'm going to be a part of at the university. Four years to Journeyman....I got this.
As far as maple syrup, this will undoubtedly curtail our efforts, at least for the upcoming season. Once I have some time in perhaps my schedule will offer a little more freedom, but certainly not to the degree that I have enjoyed being self-employed. Still, we intend to cook and make syrup in a few weeks. Probably not on as large a scale, but we will do what we can. I will be in the woods today, opening up trees and getting ready to install our very first run of tubing, and I have marked an additional 25 walnut trees, and 20 maples, so we're still expanding the operation. It will all work out, and be worth it in the end. I begin at IU on Jan 4th, and will be taking most of December off to facilitate remodel operations over at our other house. Lots going on right now, so excited at what lies ahead.
"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"
If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1) And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1) Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT? PB answer: It depends.
Yeah I've heard that. As long as I don't get the shaft.
(actually, I think it's referred to as a hoistway.)
"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"
If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1) And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1) Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT? PB answer: It depends.
I suspect that many employers of the trades actually prefer to hire older, experienced, and more stable applicants for apprenticeships. Although at 49, you are definitely pushing the upper age limit. Apparently they saw something in you which sparked their interest.
Congrats, Sparkie--sounds like a fascinating and challenging endeavor.
I hope I'm not out of place to suggest that you don't mention your plans for an "Improved" electric-propane hybrid elevator for a bit? Might just not set the right tone at the beginning.
Yolk, I will heed your advice and refrain from touting the many benefits of hybridization, and how it might benefit the elevator industry as a whole. For now.
"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"
If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1) And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1) Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT? PB answer: It depends.
Maybe add a smidgen of Chocolate to the Maple Syrup, as a custom touch.
Defiler!
"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"
If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1) And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1) Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT? PB answer: It depends.
Excellent field to get into in my opinion, especially for someone with your talents. FWIW one of our sister companies, Otis Elevator, is always looking for creative and innovative folks once you get that experience under your belt. One of the major limiting factors for how high skyscrapers can be is elevator technology.
Tony, I know you'll do well. You have that kind of analytical mind that wants to know why things fail, and not just replace parts. That's a plus for any job, and especially this one.
Besides that, you'll get a cool set of elevator door keys. They're like safe cracking 101 tools.
Al, I've never met a mechanic or technician of any sort who wasn't looking for a reason to accumulate more tools. Me included.
"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"
If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1) And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1) Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT? PB answer: It depends.
Oh yeah, the full spectrum. All the way from maintenance to new installations, it's all done inhouse. They have elevators from the 40's, up to a state of the art unit they are presently installing. Logic relays and motor generator drive machines, and VVVF drives feeding AC motors. Gonna' be a wild ride!
"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"
If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1) And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1) Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT? PB answer: It depends.
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Congrats Man
