I have a problem with that.
I am more than willing to get into the industry. But every logger or falling contractor I've talked to this year so far always asks, "how much experience do you have?"
And I tell them the truth; "Some timber falling experience and a lot of hazard tree falling experience."
"Well, you need more experience."
Yes, I do. But, I can't get experience if you don't hire me!
Jameson,
It's rough when you're starting out, I know.
Long long ago in a galaxy far......no wait, that's another story.
Many moons ago, I decided that I wanted to go to work for the mill here because it was the best thing going in these parts. I had done some thinning, and had cut firewood but had 0 experience in logging. I applied for a fallers position and was turned down cold. You know, the old; "Sorry kid, you just don't have the experience we're looking for". I was determined to work for this outfit so I met the crew at the convenience store every morning at 4:30 and tried to sell myself to the saw boss, and the cat boss. One morning after about a month of meeting them at 4:30 and never being late (as a matter of fact I was waiting on them to show up), I saw the cat boss talking to the saw boss, then they came over to me. Cat boss told me to have my crap together in the morning and he'd try me out on the landing, the pay would be $4.50 an hour. I went to work that next day bumping knots, and whatever else I was told to do. I made them a hand on the landing. Cat skinner never had to get off the cat at the landing, my saw was always sharp and never out of gas. Unlike the other "deckies " I didn't bring a novel to read while waiting on the cat, there was always something productive to do. They had raised me up to $8.00 an hour by the second full week I was there.
After about 3 months a falling position came open again, they gave me a shot at it. I nearly starved to death, but I survived the first month. That's when one of the "old timers" (about my age now) decided to take me under his wing before I killed myself or someone else. I feel like I owe him for everything I've got from this industry.
Man, all that seems so long ago.
I guess the moral to my story is: If you're persistant, and show good qualities you might get on. Even if it's pushing a broom in their shop at the mill, take it. Be the absolute best that you can be at what they put you doing. If they are worth their salt, they will notice, If not keep looking. It doesn't mater what you do, you have to start at the bottom, unless like Patty said and your dad knows someone.
Good luck out there.
Andy
