Vafee Karva is an apprentice technician in Georgia for Lessen Direct. He had experiences in both truck driving and sales before finding success and enjoyment within the skilled trades. Here’s a look into his journey of how he became a dedicated technician!
Breaking Into The Trades
Vafee’s career in the trades started after nearly 20 years in truck driving and sales for Coca-Cola. While his previous jobs provided stability at the time, he wanted to spend more time with his young family and look into a career that offered a better work-life balance.
A friend of his who worked in appliance repair offered to have him tag along on the weekends. This way, Vafee began learning to repair washers and dryers even while he had a full time job. When the opportunity presented itself to leave Coca-Cola, he took it as a chance to better himself in a new field.
“Before I started, I knew nothing. I only knew how to do washers and dryers, that’s all I knew! But I was willing to learn it all.”
Upon searching for different positions, Vafee stumbled upon a listing from Lessen Direct, who was hiring those with limited technical experience. With a passion to learn, Vafee embraced the opportunity and all the training resources provided. Lessen Direct had recommended Vafee try SkillCat to start, which he found very helpful and productive as a new technician. He gained a lot of tips and tricks starting out, and didn’t plan on stopping.
“Skillcat was really helpful. I would watch a course, then reinforce it with YouTube videos. Every day I’m learning something new.”
The Challenges and Rewards
Transitioning into the trades came with its challenges, of course. Vafee faced a steep learning curve, adjusting to the driving requirement, and the technical demands of the job. He found that the hardest part of breaking into the trades was having the patience to work through every certificate and learn the necessary skills. But the process of learning, though challenging at times, was one he embraced.
“Every day in the field is a new challenge. It’s different every time—different people, different environments. I love that about it.”
Support from his team at Lessen Direct has played a critical role in his success. Vafee received many resources like SkillCat, training coaches, and most importantly his team. Everyone is willing to help especially when you express interest in learning. It was the best environment for Vafee to grow as a new technician.
“Lessen has a great team of technicians who are willing to help new techs. If you have a question, just ask. Raise your hand and somebody will come help you.”
With all the challenges that come with breaking into the trades, though, comes a fulfilling reward. Vafee loves that being a technician provides him the ability to help fix issues that bring frustrations to people. Whenever he goes to an apartment and is asked to solve a longstanding problem, the smile on their faces after he’s done is uplifting and worth all of the trouble.
Motivation to Learn
“Be motivated. Know that this is what you want to do. If you’re not 100% into it, it’ll be a tough process. But if you’re willing to learn, it’s an awesome field to be in.”
For those considering a career in the skilled trades, Vafee advises you to stay motivated throughout the learning process. It may be challenging starting out, but as long as you’re always looking to grow, you’ll be able to develop the skillset you need.
He also encourages new technicians to approach the job with humility. Coming in with a prideful and arrogant attitude won’t help you learn or gain support from peers. Keeping an open mind when it comes to learning in the field is crucial to career growth in the skilled trades.
“Act like you don’t know what you’re doing. There’s no good in acting like you know everything when you don’t. It’s okay to need help, it will help you learn.”
For Vafee, the trades have brought not only a stable career but also a sense of fulfillment. His desire and passion to learn continuously reflects his journey of challenges and rewards. With more time with his family and the feeling of accomplishment with every job, Vafee recommends being a technician to anyone looking for a change of pace.