Find Your Trade — The Single Mom’s Guide

These are three different directions. Start with the one that interests you, and explore the others whenever you like.

Meet Jackie

Diesel mechanic

Find the problem. Understand the system. Help get equipment back to work.

What connected you to this path

You showed an interest in finding faults, using tools, or understanding how things work.

Meet a woman doing this work

Her introduction video is coming soon.

A look at the work

Jackie of Mechanic Mamma working on a diesel engine

Diesel work can involve engines, brakes, cooling systems, inspections, and computer diagnostics. This photo shows Jackie working on an engine.

Jackie can share her experience entering diesel work, explain possible training routes, and help you identify questions to ask a school or employer.

First step: explore an introductory automotive or diesel program and ask about schedules, costs, and work-based learning.

Meet a furniture flipper

Furniture flipping

See the potential. Repair and refinish. Give furniture another chapter.

What connected you to this path

You showed an interest in creating, restoring, or making a visible transformation.

Meet a woman doing this work

Her introduction video is coming soon.

A look at the work

Projects might include assessing a used dresser, repairing a drawer, preparing surfaces, choosing finishes, and pricing a finished piece. Illustration only.

A business or side-income route: explore repair and finishing skills alongside sourcing, materials costs, pricing, and selling. Contributor guidance is being arranged.

First step: choose a small practice project and work out the materials, time, and likely selling costs before investing in inventory.

Meet an EV technician

Electric vehicle technician

Follow the clues. Learn the technology. Work with mechanical and electrical systems.

What connected you to this path

You showed an interest in systematic troubleshooting, technology, or detailed work.

Meet a woman doing this work

Her introduction video is coming soon.

A look at the work

EV work can include mechanical repairs, diagnostic tools, wiring information, and specialized electrical systems. Illustration only.

An employment and training route: explore automotive foundations, EV-specific education, and supervised practical experience. Contributor guidance is being arranged.

First step: explore an automotive program with EV training and ask how it teaches electrical safety and supervised practice.

These are possible routes to explore, not a promise of earnings, employment, or certification.