Sunday, May 27, 2007

Travelling Tradesman

Way back in 1961 I started my apprenticeship as a Fitter and Turner, after completing high school at the tender age of 15 years old. I really wanted to be a Motor Mechanic, but my uncle Bill talked me out of it. After 5 years I qualified, with a further 3 years as a Journeyman. WOW!! did I enjoy those years, yes sir. Went to collage too, didn't like it much but did ok.

After 8 years in the Trade which was related to the Coal Mining Industry, I realised I couldn't get any further up the ladder of promotion unless someone passed away. Not that I would wish for anyone to "Kick the bucket", but I was ambitious, there had to be something sooner and better.

As a teenager I travelled quite extensively from the United Kingdom into Europe and ultimately in 1970 I emigrated to South Africa looking for that "Something Better". South Africa, WOW! a land of opportunity. At that time there was no such thing a One Man One Trade in South Africa, nor were one's Academic Qualifications of any consequence. At any interview for a job the question of interest was "What can you do with your hands?".

My training as a Fitter and Turner helped me to diversify into many different areas of demand, to such a extent that in 1998 my wife and I started our own business. We were able to offer such services from our combined experiences gained over the years such as:- Shopfitting, Auto Repairs, Woodcraft, Security Systems, Materials Handling Techniques, Quality Management Systems and Data Capture.

Needless to say our home based business has grown from strength to strength.