One year of construction experience with a general contractor doing carpentry, two years of college with a good gpa, and a forklift certification. When I did my first interview the only thing I had was a forklift cert. i think that if you are really dedicated to being in the elevator industry you’ll do what it takes to really make yourself valuable to them. I was also discouraged at times especially when I didn’t make it but along the way you just keep trying to improve yourself for the process. Join other trades such as steamfitters (welding experience) or become an electrician; two very valuable skill sets in this industry.

I think mechanics and union reps want a guy that can read a tape and work with other tools, but also a person that can follow directions and won’t talk back when yelled at or told to do something. So construction experience in my opinion shows both of those qualities since you usually work with someone that teaches you things.