I started trade school today. At 40 years old and making a major career change last night was like Christmas eve I couldn't sleep, stomach was a mess, just anxiety ridden like a mofo!

Since I'm not looking for any type of degree my schedule is all over the place. I plan to open my own shop 1 day and decided to take some classes to help me have less outsourcing of work. Class load includes
2 tig welding labs
1 mig welding lab
Motorcycle electronics, electrical, diagnostics
Motorcycle engine repair and overhaul
Advanced auto paint and refinishing

Bye the end of this school year I should have certified in tig and mig (been doing it for years just never took a class or got certified)
Have a solid working knowledge of motorcycle engine and electrical repair
Have a solid working knowledge of single color paint techniques

I have years of welding and engine repair experience so the classes for me were just to certify and gain more experience. I have never painted before using professional equipment. I've done graffiti for years and can do a mean rattle can paint job that looks darn near as good as pro paint. I understand the importance of proper prep and how to spray so the class intention was to learn proper techniques and how to set up the equipment.

I spoke to the paint instructor tonight after class for about 30 minutes and he said with my welding abilities and a decent mechanical aptitude I should have a good understanding of basic techniques after the 1st semester. He said at that point the second semester I can just spend honing the craft. It's a 3.5 hour lab that's mostly spent in the booth. Since it's a night course and an advanced setting they do a lot of painting in class. And it's just paint and refinishing so no body work or other stuff. Strictly paint techniques and setup.

The motorcycle technology classes you can provide your own engine to credit for the class. I have a spare for my bike I purchased with the intention of doing a monster power build on. Looks like I'm going to get to do it in class with an instructor and a machine shop on campus that can do all the head work. That made my day as I wanted to have it done anyways and now I'm going to get step by step instructions form an industry professional.

Super excited to see where I'm at skill wise come the end of this semester and then the end of the full year

Oh yeah!.....We need a TIG expert to make us some 1.5" diameter stainless headers!

(Line forms behind me!).

Good luck in your new venture.

Thanks everyone.

@Dave
Yes that can be arranged. I'd just have to set up a purge system for the stainless. That and know what you routing plans were so I could weld the pipe and collar correctly. I have a RYCA header that I can use as a jig if a mid exit system was what you wanted. I'd also wanna do a wrap around left side header as well.

@squiggy
School is paid for from California governors fee waivers. But money is money. Should be proficient enough by the end of this semester to tackle a header job

A bit of an aside, but I've noticed that fewer and fewer motorcycle or car mechanics have any experience (or want to have) with carburetors.   There is a small independent shop near me where they specialize in older bikes with carbs.  As a former Classic Car  (Packards) owner I am also well aware of difficult it is to get carburetor work done... (Ever try to work on the updraft carb on a 1931 Cadillac V8 ?)  It might help to kick start your new career to be a "go to guy" for carb problems..... And Good Luck...