[gonzo]

I own Netgate (hat tip to the haters who will comment), the company that does pfsense and tsnr.

I also own Bump It Offroad in Windsor, CO. We do some CNC (plasma table) as well. I pay welders about $70k/year plus benefits, to start. They’re both college drop-outs, but smart and willing to learn.

Though I grew up in the trades, it’s not about “dues” for me, but more work ethic and willingness to learn.

[linsomniac]

Very cool. I'm down the road in FtC, and I TRIED to get my daughter to take the Front Range machining program when she was in HS, but it required going an hour away to one of the Denver campuses every day because they didn't have it here. I thought it would be good for her to have as a fallback, and I'd have gotten her a CNC router to learn on. She also really didn't express any interest, if they had a local program I probably could have convinced her to go.

It seems like around here it's definitely some interest in some of those skills. I gather the Bugatti guy has some need of them.

edit: (I've got a 100 series, so I'll keep an eye on BIO)

[gonzo]

I have a number of concerns with CSU Ft. Collins. I know people who transferred to Billings because FtC was losing accreditation in some majors. (This was years ago.)

FRCC only offers machining in Boulder Co. Welding (only mentioned because that’s what this tread is about) is offered in Larimer though.

I know of several job opportunities today in the northern part of the Front Range that need toolpath programming.

The kid built a CNC router for his HS FRC/FTC club as an Eagle Scout project, then ended up at Mines.

p.s. We have 100 series product now.