2 answers
2 answers
Updated
Linda’s Answer
Hi Michael - Thanks for taking an interest in a trade. The trades are in need of great workers.
I am not in the welding field, but want to give you some items to thinks about. There are many variations in being a welder. Do you want to do the same thing every day, like on an an assembly line? Are you willing to work away from home for extended periods of time like working on pipelines? Do you want to join a union? Do you have a fear of heights (for working on skyscrapers)? Would you want to work in an autobody shop?
I would suggest finding some various types of companies that hire welders or looking to hire welders. Call them and explain that you are interesting in becoming a welder and ask your questions. Who knows, if they like what they hear from you, maybe they would send you to school for it.
Also, contact your local Welders' union (UA Local 562 Plumbers & Pipefitters) and ask questions.
Best wishes!
I am not in the welding field, but want to give you some items to thinks about. There are many variations in being a welder. Do you want to do the same thing every day, like on an an assembly line? Are you willing to work away from home for extended periods of time like working on pipelines? Do you want to join a union? Do you have a fear of heights (for working on skyscrapers)? Would you want to work in an autobody shop?
I would suggest finding some various types of companies that hire welders or looking to hire welders. Call them and explain that you are interesting in becoming a welder and ask your questions. Who knows, if they like what they hear from you, maybe they would send you to school for it.
Also, contact your local Welders' union (UA Local 562 Plumbers & Pipefitters) and ask questions.
Best wishes!
Updated
Brian’s Answer
I am a Steamfitter out of UA Local 21 Peekskill, NY. I am also a certified pipe welder.
My typical day starts at 7 am. My fitter and I usually go over the plan of the day, go over prints for the job, and come up with a plan on how to go about our day.
We could be putting in pipe hangers, taking measurements for a piece of fabrication, installing fabrication. It all depends. You’re never just standing there waiting for a weld. You’re actively doing other parts of the job and welding. Maybe you’re tacking up joints to move ahead and fall back on welding them out the next day. Maybe you’re involved in a crane pick operation. Maybe you’re doing layout work for fabrication. So, start at 7 am, coffee break at 9 am, lunch at 12, back to work at 12:30 and leave for the day at 3:30. You can accomplish a lot in a 8 hour day.
If you’re still interested in this type of work. Definitely get in contact with the Local Union that covers your area. They’d be the best at answering further questions.
Best of Luck
Brian Foley
My typical day starts at 7 am. My fitter and I usually go over the plan of the day, go over prints for the job, and come up with a plan on how to go about our day.
We could be putting in pipe hangers, taking measurements for a piece of fabrication, installing fabrication. It all depends. You’re never just standing there waiting for a weld. You’re actively doing other parts of the job and welding. Maybe you’re tacking up joints to move ahead and fall back on welding them out the next day. Maybe you’re involved in a crane pick operation. Maybe you’re doing layout work for fabrication. So, start at 7 am, coffee break at 9 am, lunch at 12, back to work at 12:30 and leave for the day at 3:30. You can accomplish a lot in a 8 hour day.
If you’re still interested in this type of work. Definitely get in contact with the Local Union that covers your area. They’d be the best at answering further questions.
Best of Luck
Brian Foley