Having an automotive section to this site would be fantastic, but I would suggest an aggregate "DIY" section which includes automotive, electrical, plumbing, and heating sections.
I have a University Degree in Business, but since moving out to Alberta I've been involved in the trades and have learned a hell of a lot regarding industrial and commercial pipe fitting. It is separate from say plumbing, gas fitting, or electrical but somewhat related. I've learned more in a year and a half in the trades then I did in 4 years of University at one of Canada best schools.
Without exaggerating, I work with guys in the trade who can make 1200$ a day doing pipe fitting or plumbing (keep in mind these guys have years of experience though, don't expect that right away). Hourly rate is about 40$/Hour in Calgary but these guys are paid by the job. That sort of cash exceeds what 95% of careers with a degree will yield.
There is something to be said for being able to work with your hands and as corporations become more and more PC there are less and less jobs available for males and they don't typically pay well. It's funny because here in Calgary I notice women seem to make up the vast majority of corporate jobs. Because women typically can't do trades work, there is a premium placed on physical work especially if it's skilled. Not to mention trades work is impossible to outsource or replace. You need people with particular skill sets to fill those jobs.
In my own case, I am on the way to have both a degree and a trade which is a very rare combination and increases your job prospects exponentially. I'd advise all young men to get into a trade. It is well paying work, and you don't have to deal with politically correct crap that you would in an office, business, or store. It's also physical work which I like because as a male I like to stay fit.
Finding a good job with my business degree was hard. I mean, I found work as store manager (the highest I was paid was 25/hour, but it typically paid 15-18 an hour). But it would take weeks, sometimes even months to find good work. And it's like you're always begging for a job. Now that I'm in the trades finding well paying work is relatively easy. I spent about a year with one company here in Calgary, and after leaving it took me less than a week to find a comparable job. So, I think you become infinitely more employable when you have a trade. Not to mention, when you're good enough you can do your own work and don't need an employer.
Moving out here and becoming involved in the trades is possibly one of the best decisions I've ever made!
I also have friends who have been extremely successful in the trades, much more so than those with a Degree.
Since working in the trades I'm now very familiar working with various tools and regularly take on various DIY projects. Some of the work I've done lately includes installing residential gas lines for friends (took me 2 to 3 hours to do an entire house, can charge 400$ or so for it), running separate gas lines for fireplaces or bbq's (takes 1.5 hours, its worth at least 200$)? installing and servicing reverse osmosis drinking water systems (300$ for 30 minutes of work, replacing filters), swapping dishwashers (250$ for 1 hour).
It really is fascinating how much money you can make doing small jobs for people (especially women) who have no clue about basics in their house.
If anyone has any questions regarding household piping, gas, or plumbing I could probably be of some help.
