"DE" wrote in message
...


Harold , The machinist school I attended years ago was run by a
gentleman of considerable skill and experience. If you were able
to graduate ( and a lot didn't) a job placement was likely assured.
It was all *old school* as you describe, and fully
comprensive. One of your peers I would say.

He ran a tight ship and had a reputation among several manufactures
for turning out quality job candidates. He also steered us away
from bad employers..

I worked my tail off and only managed a 3.25 average, one of the
highest in the group but was I disappointed. It was not as easy of a
program as I had expected but much more rewarding. The highest
marks usually went to those working in the trade and being sent in by
their employer.

A perfect example of experience, and the opportunity to have "hands on".
It's hard to beat. For them, especially if they had ability at the outset
(not everyone has), they had a leg up. Sans the schooling, that's precisely
how I was trained. Once I got my feet on the ground (not a pretty picture
until that magical day) I was a fast learner, but I "practiced" the new
found skill daily,for 8 hours.


I later became friends with his son and was told that it was a pretty
good score .

I agree! I'd have been damned proud had it been me, and I congratulate you
for your dedication, devotion and obvious success.

Harold