Greetings Everyone,
Before I entered law enforcement, I was a machinist (the tool room variety) for a few years as well. That career started back in high school, as some of the replies have stated, which included Vocational Machine Shop (the hands-on classes) Shop Math, Mechanical Drafting and Welding. Served my apprenticeship in a small machine shop which ultimately landed me a position at Republic Steel (we all know how that turned out). After being unable to find a job in "The Trades" I started taking test with police departments that were hiring and the rest, as they say, is history. I never forgot my machinist skills and I still have a small shop, (Lathe, Bridgeport, Drill Press etc) in a building behind my residence where I still "tinker" from time to time.
Chief Bob (Retired)