Final summer season, my 16-year-old son entered right into a Swiss program designed to assist him discover a profession. It allowed him to spend one week in class, the subsequent week doing a mini internship (Schnupperwoche), after which lather, rinse, repeat.
I’m happy to announce he’s selected a profession path and accepted an apprenticeship supply to be a carpenter specializing in window constructing and building.
When he entered this system, he solely knew he didn’t need to be caught behind a desk all day, like each his dad and mom. I can’t say I blame him.
He tried forestry, which he beloved and concerned helicopter rides in Lauterbrunnen, however the one apprenticeships obtainable for the upcoming college yr have been both within the French-speaking elements of Switzerland, which he didn’t need to do, or (horrors) regionally. (He’s itching to be unbiased and is aware of his dad and mom gained’t spring for an condominium if he can keep in his bed room.)
He did surveying, which he thought he’d love however really hated. He was so glad he didn’t do 4 years of faculty earlier than discovering he hated the work. They beloved him, although, providing him an apprenticeship.
With many different issues below his belt, he confidently accepted the apprenticeship supply. It’s a four-year paid program, with 4 days of labor and sooner or later of faculty. The pay is low (yr one is about $5 an hour, yr 4 is a bit more than twice as a lot), however that’s higher than paying for schooling as he would within the US. When he’s achieved, he’ll be a grasp carpenter—a ability in excessive demand for many years, if not perpetually.
I’d publish an image of him in his new workspace, however that violates the teenage boy guidelines. As an alternative, that is the extent of the data I acquired in regards to the helicopter experience till he acquired residence. For individuals who don’t have one and are unaware, that is what teenage boys contemplate an extreme quantity of knowledge to their moms.
