what trade would you guys recommend for a teenage boy?

That's true. I know a few musicians who didn't turn pro but have successful careers in math-related fields (like software engineers). There seems to be a corollary between music and arithmetic. How are your son's math skills?

-Carl

Clare sez: > "You have to know what you are doing to operate a boiler efficiently

Jerediah had a little snit over sharing his chosen occupation with those of lesser credentials. I wonder how he'd feel about being called "mechanic", as those of the technical persuasion were known in the late 1800s.

Bob Swinney

For the most part correct. I believe there is a clause in there that if you work "under" a licensed engineer then you can assume the title because theoretically the licensed engineer is checking your work.

At smaller companies this probably is the case, but at larg corporations this is not. They do have some licensed engineers, but they are at such a removed level from the actual engineers that they do not even know what is actively being done much less checking the work.

Why is it that engineer is such an "easy" title for someone to assume, but if someone tried to use MD or JD, they would be prosecuted(persecuted?) to such a level that they would be made an example of so that no one else does the same?

I would recommend looking into electrician work. They are paid very well in this area and are generally in pretty high demand. I know of electrician apprectices making $60k+ in the Twin Cities area. It does require getting licensed in the state you are working(generally, there are exceptions) if you intend to have your own shop, but that probably isn't a concern at this point. The tools required for the job are minimal and would be fairly easy to transport if moving from area to another. Working conditions are generally pretty good. By the time the electrical gets started on new construction the basic structure is up so they can crank up the big space heaters in the winter. In the summer it's not bad. Maintenance work probably varies.

Another option might be getting a welding cert. I know of a few musician types that work for a local welding shop. This is the only reason I say this. Not sure what the pay or working conditions are like.

JW

someone tried to use MD or JD, they would be prosecuted(persecuted?) to such a level that they would be made an example of so that no one else does the same?>

I brought this question up to my wife, who is an RN, and we came up with this suppostion. The certifying organization (say, the Board of Medical Examiners for MD's in Texas) has authority only over those members that it certifies. It has no authority over "fake" MD's. If a fake MD commits a crime, ie, practices medicine, it would fall upon the local district attorney to enforce the law and take action. If a "fake" engineer practices his profession (in my case, management of a construction project) he commits no crime other than the usage of the title "engineer", and I suspect that most DA's have bigger fish to fry. If a fake civil engineer practiced structural design, however, this would have a possibly life threatening impact to others, and would probably get more attention from the DA.

Gary Brady Austin, TX