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What steps would you recommend I take entering in the field of welding. What are some tools of the trade I should be familiar with. What does a typical day look like on the job.
#career #Welding
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Bob’s Answer
I would try contacting some welding shops in your area and see if they are hiring helpers. It is good to do a course at a vocational school, but you might find you can get trained on the job and get paid for your training. It might be good to get into a shop and see if this is work you actually enjoy. A typical day on the job varies a lot, depending on the type of industry you are working for. If you are doing shop work in a manufacturing plant, you might be welding at a work station. If you are doing field work, you could be out in the weather working in less than optimal conditions. The field is widely varied- and there are all sorts of different processes you could be using on your job.
Tools of the trade- I would be sure to know how to measure and cut with an angle grinder or band saw.
If you couldn't find anyone to apprentice you, I would look into one of the local vocational training centers to see what programs they offer.
Tools of the trade- I would be sure to know how to measure and cut with an angle grinder or band saw.
If you couldn't find anyone to apprentice you, I would look into one of the local vocational training centers to see what programs they offer.
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
I would agree with Bob on many points.
If you have a local welding shop that is willing to hire you as a helper and train you as a welder, that's a great option (and no cost). But if you are looking for more formal training to start out, I would recommend a local welding school that provides a 12-week welding course. You do have the option of a 2-year community college "industrial arts" type of AA degree, but from my experience the 3-month course gives you all the basics you need to get hired and working, with less of a debt burden to pay off.
As far as a "typical day"?
I've been in this field for over 30 years and have yet to see one of those... lol
Seek out a local shop and see if they'll hire a helper/welder trainee
Locate a local welding school that offers a 12-week welding course with certificate upon completion
If you have a local welding shop that is willing to hire you as a helper and train you as a welder, that's a great option (and no cost). But if you are looking for more formal training to start out, I would recommend a local welding school that provides a 12-week welding course. You do have the option of a 2-year community college "industrial arts" type of AA degree, but from my experience the 3-month course gives you all the basics you need to get hired and working, with less of a debt burden to pay off.
As far as a "typical day"?
I've been in this field for over 30 years and have yet to see one of those... lol
Jeffrey recommends the following next steps: