Learning Carpentry

If one has no education past 8th grade but is highly qualified, what should I put under education if at all?

My father has been doing HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical work, and Carpentry since 1987, but never went to high school or college because of situations back home. He is a legal citizen, but never had the time to get a GED or anything like that because he was busy working to support his family. He is now trying to apply for a job with a company that does heating and cooling work. Most of these usually require a high school diploma.

Public Comments

1. A GED is not that hard to get...if it's keeping him from getting employment, then why doesn't he just get one?
2. whatever you do, don't lie - either put the truth or leave it blank
3. He should have a section for work experience on his resume. That will say that he has been doing HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, etc since 1987 and will show that he has a lot of experience in the field.
4. High School. Do not put diploma. Believe me, what they want is someone who is qualified and has experience in this field. This is common info on all applications. His work history and references will be what they are interested in.
5. you put NONE, tell that fool to get at least his GED
6. I would leave it out and put lots of work experience (and any technical classes he took for his work), and then he should try to get the GED when he can. I think there are night classes to prepare for the test.
7. I wouldn't even put anything down under education. Just fill that resume with job experience and if education is an issue, then it's a topic for the interview. As someone else said, just don't lie, because they can always check records. The resume is all about getting the interview, and it's meant to provoke questions and create discussion about his past experience.
8. Either omit that section altogether, or include certifications, seminars, training, etc., that he may have received from different vendors or from a union. Tell your dad good luck from me. :)
9. He should not only list all of his work experience but he should be completely honest and write that he completed 8th grade. If he has the experience need it shouldn't be a problem. If there is someone applying that has equal work experience plus a highschool or college diploma then he will likely not get the job. But he sounds like he has had plenty of experience.
10. it really depends on the job hes applying for. find out mini mun requirements in the education part of the job.it might not be required..most jobs now day ask you to do a assessment test for which you applying for...my Friend didn't graduate from high school he makes 80k a year..
11. He should be honest and state that he went to school up to the 8th grade. Employers normally want to make sure that they hire someone who will be able to read and follow instructions. Your father has years of experience in the field. Since he lacks education, he should back his experience with letters of recommendation from previous employers attesting to the fact that your father was an excellent employee and that his lack of education was not a factor in his performance. Did he go to a trade school or does he have a contractor's license or did he learn his trade from someone? All of this will make a difference in improving his chances of employment.
12. He needs to get a GED. If he's been able to support a family this long without one it's a miracle, but it's not going to last for ever. Check you your local community colleges for classes for the GED. A lot of times it's free and he won't have to invest that much time in the classroom (once a week?).
13. Never ever lie on an application. I'd advise him to get a GED.