2 answers
Zeke
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
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How hard is it to get a good welding job?
A good welding job to me is a job where you can learn and enjoy your time there. Your able to make mistakes but are also helped and taut how to not make them again.
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2 answers
Jax Mullen
Shipfitter, Instructor
10
Answers
Auburn, Maine
Updated
Jax’s Answer
Hello Zeke!
I weld for a living, though it's not my trade title for the union I work in (I'm a shipfitter, not a welder).
Welding takes a great deal of patience to get the hang of, without a doubt. Muscle memory and relentlessly honing your technique is important but understanding the materials you work with (or on) coupled with how to program your equipment is also incredibly difficult to keep track of unless you practice, practice, and practice.
The thing about welding is a lot of places or fields out there need a good metal worker but not all will pay the same, and some will pay very low rates but expect you to be certified in four types of welding and be licensed to work on CRES (stainless steel) materials.
I work in a union, which not only pays me very well and offers benefits that cover my entire family but it's also very conscious about cost of living and inflation so I can be compensated for both my time and my skill.
Its certainly something to consider, as many tradesmen and unions will take on apprentices right when someone graduates high school and not only train them but also pay them throughout the process.
I hope this helps!
I weld for a living, though it's not my trade title for the union I work in (I'm a shipfitter, not a welder).
Welding takes a great deal of patience to get the hang of, without a doubt. Muscle memory and relentlessly honing your technique is important but understanding the materials you work with (or on) coupled with how to program your equipment is also incredibly difficult to keep track of unless you practice, practice, and practice.
The thing about welding is a lot of places or fields out there need a good metal worker but not all will pay the same, and some will pay very low rates but expect you to be certified in four types of welding and be licensed to work on CRES (stainless steel) materials.
I work in a union, which not only pays me very well and offers benefits that cover my entire family but it's also very conscious about cost of living and inflation so I can be compensated for both my time and my skill.
Its certainly something to consider, as many tradesmen and unions will take on apprentices right when someone graduates high school and not only train them but also pay them throughout the process.
I hope this helps!
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Zeke
Mack Bailey
Manufacturing quality technical management
46
Answers
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Updated
Mack’s Answer
Zeke,
You got a great answer from Jax. Good advice.
Just for fun, you might like to check out this 1-minute video. A young man who was looking for the career path that you have in mind:
https://www.scetv.org/stories/tags/your-path-your-journey [Scroll to bottom to find the welding video]
If you are still in high school and have the opportunity, consider taking a course or two at your applied technology location (if your district has one) and/or check out a local tech college that offers welding courses. That might help you get a good start.
Mack
You got a great answer from Jax. Good advice.
Just for fun, you might like to check out this 1-minute video. A young man who was looking for the career path that you have in mind:
https://www.scetv.org/stories/tags/your-path-your-journey [Scroll to bottom to find the welding video]
If you are still in high school and have the opportunity, consider taking a course or two at your applied technology location (if your district has one) and/or check out a local tech college that offers welding courses. That might help you get a good start.
Mack
Thanks, As I am still a high school student I probably won't take a class yet, but I am planning on going to a tech school and taking welding classes once I get out of high school.
Zeke