Got screwed by financial aid again. Ideas for places to look for work in trades or hands-on working with no degree or certifications?

Long story short, I was given a scholarship and told a month into the quarter that it wouldn’t be applied, making me suddenly owe close to $1,000 that I don’t have the ability to pay. I was in welding school before and my scholarships were paying 100% of my costs. Something like this has happened quite literally every quarter I’ve attended and I’m over it. I did not obtain any certifications or a degree, but I got a decent bit of time practicing welding, about 4 months in the booth overall. I am 23 and have mostly interest in hands-on work. I don’t care what it is as long as I can learn by doing, as that’s how I learn best by far. I’m very proficient in computer use and terminology and helped build myself 2 PCs, but I do not know any programming. I can often troubleshoot given enough time and google though. I also spent about 5 years in an accounting firm, but that’s not something I really enjoyed.

I also have a few months experience as a trainee framer, and my departure there was pre-arranged at the start of employment so I could go to school. I also have about 3 months experience as an assembler at a wheelchair company, with the same deal for departure ((My school start was delayed due to a death in the family))

So far, I’ve applied for an apprentice plumbing position, HVAC tech position, ((which if it advances to interview I plan to make very clear I’d need ample training)), a Machine Wiring technician job at a robotics company that specifically stated 0-2 years experience, A lineman pre-apprentice job through the city PUD, A locksmith trainee job at a government site, an assembly position at a medical equipment company, and a general laborer position that states they want people to learn welding and metal fab. I am currently on the waitlist for my UA union local, and any union I find in town has as long or longer waitlist as the one I’m on. The IBEW in town that I’d consider doesn’t even take applications until January.

I’m just wondering if anyone else has any thoughts for things I could look into in the mean time that would be of use in my current desired trajectory. Thanks!



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