When he was a child, due to his family’s financial struggles, Watt’s toys were all made by his father, and these handmade toys were just as beautiful as store-bought ones.
He thought how great it would be if he could learn to make them too! Not only for fun, but he could also sell some to earn money for books.
Therefore, every day after school, Watt would rush to his father’s workshop. His father was a skilled technician who ran a small shop outside of town, specializing in the production and repair of equipment and measuring tools used for ships. Watt loved watching the craftsmen work on models and repair instruments like compasses and measuring tools such as protractors and telescopes.
Seeing his son’s enthusiasm for the craftsmen’s work, his father was very pleased and dedicated a small room for him filled with various tools and materials. This way, young Watt could learn the art of crafting and repairing.
Smart young Watt quickly learned to use the tools in the workshop and started making toys and building models. These extracurricular activities consumed a lot of Watt’s time, but they did not affect his studies in school. After graduating from high school, Watt prepared to enter university. Just then, his father faced work troubles, and soon after, his mother passed away, which forced Watt to abandon his university aspirations.
In 1755, when Watt turned 18, he moved to London to study craftsmanship. Upon arriving in London, he struggled to find his mentor, Mr. Moogan, but the learning period was set for four years.
Four years? That felt too long! For Watt, four years seemed excessive. He wanted to learn quickly so he could return home to help his father make a living. Watt told his teacher, “I want to learn the trade in one year.”
Mr. Moogan asked Watt, “One year? Can you really learn that fast?”
“Yes!” – Watt insisted.
Mr. Moogan was astonished; he had taught many students over the years, but none had ever learned in such a short time!
After thinking for a moment, Moogan replied, “I agree, but you must pay 20 pounds for the apprenticeship, and you will not receive any salary during this year!”
Watt accepted: “Yes, sir!”
Gathering 20 pounds for the tuition was not an easy task for Watt at that time, but finally, he started his studies.
Having received some training in craftsmanship as a child, along with his intelligence, Watt learned the trade very quickly, to the extent that Mr. Moogan could hardly believe it; he had never encountered a student as bright as Watt.
In July, while studying the trade, on August 5, he began working on a square measuring device for determining direction, completing it a month and a half later. Watt’s learning pace was astonishing; by October, he was making leveling instruments, and by November, he was learning to build directional compasses…
During the day, Watt studied at the workshop, and at night he worked on his projects, often staying up late. When morning came, he would rise early to continue his work. He was always the first to wake up. Watt seized every moment and opportunity to learn, not only from his teacher but also from his peers. His diligent study and frugal living led him to become even thinner, but his skills improved significantly.
In July 1756, Watt had mastered the craft and began earning a living on his own.
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