Harold, What Is Your Own Education ?
I started out Drafting for a small Civil Engineering firm out of necessity. I had a few of those skills, needed a job (recently married) and a local small firm needed cheap help.
Our local Community College program was probably the main reason I was able to pass the California LS exam on the first attempt (rare in this State). Unfortunately they perpetually struggle to scrape up enough students.
It took years of study and effort but finally I found a great job in the field. I sense jealousy from the Civils sometimes, wait you get a truck and you get out of the office? I could go two ways, Civil or LS and I saw that LS is a lot more fun, interesting and rewarding.
A lot of our students are admitted that need some of the basic english, math, and reading. Most of them work really hard and are proud to achieve passing grades with each class. I encourage them and work with them if they need a little extra help. When they finish their degree, it is a really big accomplishment for them. Their spouses, kids, and parents/in-laws usually all come to the graduation ceremony. A milestone has been achieved, and a good paying job is usually waiting for them. That's when I know my work has been worth the effort. Those that do stick it out in my program earn their degree, and I am proud of them.