I noticed a few years ago before the economy went bad that many guys got all the perks and fringes of guys with years of experience without really having to show much skill.I saw helpers demanding 2nd zone expenses and actually getting it. Of course now the shoe is on the other foot with very few helpers and many mechanics having to work as a mechanic's assistants. I taught our 4th year NEIEP classes for three years and got tired of hearing 30 yr old men bitch at having to go to school one night a week for classes taught at an 8th grade level. I went to school for years four nights a week doing math problems most of these guys could only dream of. I do think the trade was better years ago but then again I am now one of the older guys.
