WELDERS : Any advice to starting the trade?

[KHARPS 10+ year member]

So is there any chance of say getting a job with a company if you just KNOW HOW TO weld? LIke if I go to community college for a couple months, probably wouldnt come out with any certifications or anything right?? And then would a place even consider me with just that skill? Or you do you need certain things to even get noticed?

If their welders are all union welders, you'll have to sign up for the apprenticeship. Then you have to take some math tests, drug tests, and some other stuff. If you do well they'll accept you and then it's all training from there on.

 

[Scoobydoo 5,000+ posts]

watch flashdance

 

[gotparts90 10+ year member]

the union tests are not very hard and you can buy a study guide buts lots of people take them. Well worth it as a career I would just go for it look up your local pipe fitters union in your area. You should be able to get all the test info of their website but also call places to get hired on as a c card or shop card. The C and shop card are the "backdoor" way in mostly service guys get in this way. I got a C card to get in but then you get free school and can work on your welding to get in to a welding company.

I took the apprentice test after I was in the union for about 2 years but would have had to take a drop in pay to become an apprentice. I should have done it I scored very well out of the 3000 people that took it and would be an A card now. I am B card out of work now.

 

[Jmac 10+ year member]

Get your entry-level certs, go to Alberta, make $120K a year plus living expenses. I have about 2 dozen friends who moved out there for that reason.

Lots of money in the oil fields. Downside is it's a sausage-fest and it can drop down to -50*C in the winter. Oh and there's only like 6 hours of daylight this time of year.

 

[bonesninja 5,000+ posts]

Hobart Welding School in Troy, Ohio...best in the country. I have a degree from there but i make more money doing what i do, at least in my area. I could make alot more if i was willing to travel

 

[RMKrider1 10+ year member]

What code are your "certs"

I'm hearing (actually reading) That lots of people have all their "certs" which I'm calling bullsh$t on. First off I don't think it's possible to have every certification available unless thats all you did for a year or two was take tests.

Some of you "certified welders" should let us know which organization and to which code you are certified.

I also second the hobart welding school.......One of the best in the country

I did aluminum/stainless tig for awhile, then got laid off. I have my 6g pipe cert for tig/ stick, but I'd rather travel my *** off when im a little older. A good skill to know, just no where to really use it right now.

 

[WOT]

Ya I heard alberta was pretty insane, i cant see myself moving across the country for work though unless times got REALLY tough....

I called a few local places today, community colleges councellors, see what they have to say about what it would take to get into the trade