Technical training courses like electrical, plumbing, mechanics, or welding after 8th grade can make you a doer, not just a dreamer.
If you are in 8th or 9th grade and thinking about what’s next? Maybe you’re interested in engineering, but just studying from textbooks isn’t cutting it. Yes, everybody seems to be studying for entrance exams and cramming books and theorems, however real engineers are hands on. This is one big difference between Indian and American education. In India even for small trivial works like changing a light bulb and cleaning your spark plug or changing a tap, we depend on technicians. It seems the Indian middle class isn’t really cut out for the real world basic engineering challenges. No wonder several reports keep popping up suggesting Indian engineers aren’t employable.
Well, guess what? Taking up training courses or apprenticeships can be a total game-changer. Whether it’s learning to fix air conditioners, become a mechanic, or even try your hand at welding, these hands-on skills can give you a huge advantage. Here’s why you should think about getting hands-on early.
Get Hands-On!, Learn by Doing, Not Just Reading
Engineering is all about solving real-world problems. But it’s hard to understand what’s happening if you’ve only read about it in books. By learning a skill like plumbing or car repairing, you’ll get exposed to how things work physically. It makes the complicated engineering stuff make sense. Imagine learning about heat transfer in class, and then seeing it in action while fixing an air conditioner—that’s learning you’ll never forget!
Learning practical skills like plumbing, electrician work, or mechanic refrigeration and air conditioning not only helps you understand engineering better but also makes you more independent. You won’t need to rely on others to fix small problems at home. This independence also boosts your confidence—you’ll know that you’re capable of solving real-world problems, whether it’s fixing a car engine or installing a new electrical outlet.
At a young age, you’ll already have marketable skills that can even help you earn money while studying. Imagine being a high school student who can take on small mechanic or electrician jobs—these experiences can also help support your education and future career.
Become a Doer Engineer, Not Just a Theorist
There’s a big difference between knowing something and actually being able to do it. Many students enter engineering without any hands-on experience. But if you’ve been working as a mechanic or an electrician, you’ll already be used to solving practical problems. This makes you a “doer” engineer, someone who can apply knowledge in real life—not just in theory.
Which Courses and Apprenticeship to Take Up and Why
Let’s explore why taking up practical courses like plumbing, electrician work, welding, and car mechanics can be your secret weapon to becoming a successful, hands-on engineer.
Learn Practical Skills Like Plumbing, Electrician Work, and Welding
What if I told you that fixing a leaky pipe or wiring a light bulb could actually help you become a better engineer? Well, it’s true! These training courses, which are widely available at Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) in India, teach you essential hands-on skills that every engineer needs.
For example, in plumbing, you learn how to manage water flow, understand pressure systems, and work with piping materials. This directly connects with civil and mechanical engineering principles, especially when you’ll later deal with fluid dynamics or thermodynamics. By working on real systems, you’ll have a deeper understanding of concepts that will come up in your engineering studies.
Similarly, electrician training teaches you about circuits, wiring, and how electricity works. This foundational knowledge is incredibly useful for anyone thinking about pursuing electrical or electronics engineering. Instead of just reading about circuits, you’ll actually be building them!
Take welding as another example. Welding might seem like a skill only mechanics need, but engineers who work in fields like automotive, aerospace, or construction often design things that need to be welded together. By knowing how welding works, you’ll better understand how to design structures or machines that are not only strong but also easier to assemble.
Hands-On Experience with Car Mechanics and Air Conditioning Systems
Many students dream of becoming automotive or mechanical engineers but don’t have any practical experience with cars or machinery. ITI courses like Car Technician and Mechanic or Mechanic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (MRAC) give you the chance to dive into the engineering world early.
In the Car Mechanic course, you’ll learn how engines work, how to troubleshoot problems, and even how to repair parts. Let’s say you’re studying the concept of heat engines in class. If you’ve already worked on a car engine, you’ll understand how heat is converted into motion, and this makes it much easier to grasp the theories behind it. Not to mention, you could already start fixing your family’s car!
The Mechanic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (MRAC) course is another valuable one. Learning about refrigeration systems, air conditioning units, and heat transfer processes not only gives you a skill that’s in high demand but also directly relates to mechanical engineering topics like thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
Better Chances of Getting into Engineering Colleges with Real-World Experience
One thing that sets you apart from other students when applying to top engineering colleges is practical, real-world experience. By having training in skills like electrician work, car mechanics, or plumbing, you already show that you know how to apply engineering principles in real-life scenarios. This isn’t something every student applying to engineering colleges can boast about.
Colleges are increasingly looking for students who bring more to the table than just good grades. By taking up these courses after 8th or 9th grade, you show that you are proactive, curious, and serious about your future. You understand how things work in the real world, and that’s a big advantage.
Create Your Own Projects and Innovate from a Young Age
Imagine being able to build your own mini-projects, like a small water pump, a circuit-based alarm system, or even fixing an air conditioner! With hands-on training in areas like electrician work or car mechanics, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to experiment and create projects of your own. This not only builds your engineering skills but also helps you think creatively and practically, something that’s highly valued in the engineering world.
For instance, students who take welding courses can combine their skills with mechanical engineering knowledge to create structures or even robots. They’ll already understand the practical challenges of assembly and design, making their college projects stand out.
Where Can You Take These Courses?
You don’t need to wait for college to start learning these essential skills. Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) across India offer various courses tailored to different skills. Whether it’s plumbing, welding, electrician courses, or mechanic training for cars and air conditioners, ITIs provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
You can also find apprenticeships at local workshops. Many car repair shops, electrical workshops, and even HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) businesses are open to taking in young apprentices. By learning on the job, you not only gain practical experience but also make valuable connections in the industry.
Abhishek Sareen is a marketing professional with over 16 years of experience. He has extensive experience in international business and currently an independent consultant for steel tube, consumer goods and retail industry.
He is a passionate cyclist and participated in several endurance competitive events like MTB Himalaya. His interests are in behavioral psychology, economics and chess. He is a graduate in Computer Science and an MBA in Marketing. He completed his executive education from IIM-A in 2016 focusing on business strategy.