Advice on Apprenticing in SW Florida

[Avery Todd]

Keith,

Taking back what I said to Dave earlier (sort of) :-) I appreciate this
kind of attitude! I wish I'd had a few floors to sweep for the knowledge
when I was still trying to learn. Actually, I still would, to learn a
few things I still need to! :-)

Avery

>     You will go into competition against them.......Find out what they hate
>to do or would rather not do. A lot of techs specialize and have peripheral
>work. The guy I found hates dampers and hanging hammers. Plus his main
>person on the job moved. His love is the belly work and he has enough of
>that, so he could use someone to regulate actions. I'm learning about as
>fast as I can. I like to think I'm in competition with him, not against
>him.. Teamwork. When what's happening is over my head I sweep the shop and
>sometimes I get to finish doing that before something is found for me to do.
>That helps me stay around. I was about ready to show up and make myself a
>minor nuisance hoping they'd put me to work so I couldn't bother them.
>Really I was lucky, the need was there and I was asking for it. I got a lot
>more than I thought I had bargained for. Part time works great and can be
>very flexible. Be sure to include an adjustment when your worth to the team
>is established. This works both ways.
>Good luck to you. I drive an hour+  one way for this mental thrashing and I
>think it's worth it.
>
>Keith Roberts
>Associate