4 answers
Alex
Student
Atlantic, Iowa
4
Questions
Asked
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Welding Experience
What are good ways to get experience and my foot in the door? Is a shop better for experience compared to a traveling type of job?
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4 answers
Jacob Davies
Welder/Mechanic
3
Answers
Elizabeth, Colorado
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
My personal recommendation is attending a trade school. It will cost about 5k and take two years, but companies love it when you come out knowing the fundamentals! If you’re looking to go straight into the field, some campaniles will start you at a laborer position and work you in. Traveling to start is definitely an option, but it will tough to find a company that will send you on the road with no experience.
Eric Christian
Welder
2
Answers
Berne, New York
Updated
Eric’s Answer
It really depends on your end goal. There are all sorts of different shop jobs and traveling jobs.
If you are interested in doing field work or building erection you could look into ironworker or pipefitter unions and ask about apprenticeship programs.
Most shop jobs doing structural or railing work will offer variation in your day allowing you to learn many important skills for welding such as layout work, finishing work, and in some cases design work.
Look for a local shop that is open to training and has opportunities to grow and learn new positions.
Pick up as many skills and welding applications as you can. Don't become a one-trick pony. Maybe you're only interested in welding now but as you gain experience in different environments you may decide you want to apply those skills to being something such as a maintenance technician, an auto body technician, an NDT inspector, etc. Give 100% on every opportunity that comes your way; you never know when you'll find something you have a true passion and aptitude for. Good luck
If you are interested in doing field work or building erection you could look into ironworker or pipefitter unions and ask about apprenticeship programs.
Most shop jobs doing structural or railing work will offer variation in your day allowing you to learn many important skills for welding such as layout work, finishing work, and in some cases design work.
Look for a local shop that is open to training and has opportunities to grow and learn new positions.
Pick up as many skills and welding applications as you can. Don't become a one-trick pony. Maybe you're only interested in welding now but as you gain experience in different environments you may decide you want to apply those skills to being something such as a maintenance technician, an auto body technician, an NDT inspector, etc. Give 100% on every opportunity that comes your way; you never know when you'll find something you have a true passion and aptitude for. Good luck
Arturo Olivares
Combination welder
1
Answer
San Marcos, Texas
Updated
Arturo’s Answer
A good way to gain experience is to take a job offer and give it a chance.
Dont forget about the weld test.
Do some research and learn all you can about the company's products and services.
A mig welding job in a shop base environment can be a quick way to start building fabrication and welding skills.
I have worked in residential, commercial, and shop welding environments.
Its all about what you want.
After your experiences you are now a more experienced welder.
You can master your work there and grow confident taking on a new and challenging traveling job for more growth afterwords.
Dont forget about the weld test.
Do some research and learn all you can about the company's products and services.
A mig welding job in a shop base environment can be a quick way to start building fabrication and welding skills.
I have worked in residential, commercial, and shop welding environments.
Its all about what you want.
After your experiences you are now a more experienced welder.
You can master your work there and grow confident taking on a new and challenging traveling job for more growth afterwords.
Richard Echevarria
Aerospace/combination welder
4
Answers
Doraville, GA
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Welding has many different industries. And there's many different processes. That depends entirely on your thing and liking. Whatever it may be practice makes perfect. The more time under the hood the better you get.