6 answers
Emma
Student
Sylvester, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
4111 views
What should my first step after trade school be?
I am a 16 year old hghschool junior with plans of going to trade school for welding. After I graduate what should my first step be?
Login to comment
6 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Congratulations Emma,
Frist, utilize your school’s career services.
Trade schools often offer numerous career services that can help you find a job after graduation, including resume and interview preparation, and help practicing for an employment welding test. It’s one of the many services that are part of the tuition that you pay. It is a good idea to visit career services early in your schooling rather than waiting until right before you graduate to get the maximum benefit.
Second, start to work on your resume. This is the one thing that has to represent who you are and what you have to offer employers. Again, career services can help you, but only you can provide the necessary information. Include past and current jobs, even if they are not related to welding. These experiences tell an employer that you have what it takes to hold down a job and be a good employee, no matter what kind of work. Your resume should also be specific about what you learned in welding school. List the courses you took, so a future employer knows exactly what you can do and what your skillset is. Another great thing to include in your resume is proof that you can do the work needed for welding. You can do this by including pictures of some of your projects from welding classes. Pick a few that showcase specific skills you learned.
Thrid, joining one or more welding organization enables you to meet other welders, learn about industry trends and news, access members’ only job boards and resources, and attend welding events and conferences. While these organizations have membership dues, the benefits of professional membership often outweigh the disadvantages, especially if you choose a recognized organization that offers many complimentary services and resources to its members. Eighty-seven dollars per year for American Welding Society membership, for example, might seem steep to a recent welding school grad who’s just starting out in the field, but in return he or she will be connected to 70,000 other welding professionals and receive industry publications and discounts on education, certification, and conferences.
I hope this was helpful Emma
To give yourself the best chance of getting into the welding job of your dreams, make sure you take the time to be prepared. Take advantage of career services, build up a resume that sells you to employers, and really practice interviewing so you can make a good impression. Preparation is everything once you have the actual skills to do the job and with it you will be sure to land a job that sets you off on your new career path.
Frist, utilize your school’s career services.
Trade schools often offer numerous career services that can help you find a job after graduation, including resume and interview preparation, and help practicing for an employment welding test. It’s one of the many services that are part of the tuition that you pay. It is a good idea to visit career services early in your schooling rather than waiting until right before you graduate to get the maximum benefit.
Second, start to work on your resume. This is the one thing that has to represent who you are and what you have to offer employers. Again, career services can help you, but only you can provide the necessary information. Include past and current jobs, even if they are not related to welding. These experiences tell an employer that you have what it takes to hold down a job and be a good employee, no matter what kind of work. Your resume should also be specific about what you learned in welding school. List the courses you took, so a future employer knows exactly what you can do and what your skillset is. Another great thing to include in your resume is proof that you can do the work needed for welding. You can do this by including pictures of some of your projects from welding classes. Pick a few that showcase specific skills you learned.
Thrid, joining one or more welding organization enables you to meet other welders, learn about industry trends and news, access members’ only job boards and resources, and attend welding events and conferences. While these organizations have membership dues, the benefits of professional membership often outweigh the disadvantages, especially if you choose a recognized organization that offers many complimentary services and resources to its members. Eighty-seven dollars per year for American Welding Society membership, for example, might seem steep to a recent welding school grad who’s just starting out in the field, but in return he or she will be connected to 70,000 other welding professionals and receive industry publications and discounts on education, certification, and conferences.
I hope this was helpful Emma
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Emma !
After you graduate trade school for welding, one of your first steps would be to apply for jobs as a welder. Even if it would be an entry level job, you will learn much more and will learn hands on with direction from your manager. The next thing would be to decide if you'd want to join the Welder's Union, such as pipe fitting and/or plumbing unions. Union workers earn more than non-union workers and there are many unions to choose from which you would learn of at work.
Applying for work as a welder means that you have a resume to send out to various companies that are hiring. There are sample resumes for welders on line that you can use as a guide. You will put all of your experience and education and any certifications you have received, such as certification from The American Welding Society. You can take that certification course while you're working or even before you obtain employment. I will provide the link below.
I would advise investing in additional tools so that you might also offer your services privately by placing an ad and working independently. That might be advantageous if you are having a delay in finding the job you want.
Actually, instead of there being first steps after you graduate, there are simultaneous steps. Your teachers at your school can provide a wealth of information for you when you've completed the course of study. It also may be possible to obtain job leads from the school, too.
Best wishes to you every step of the way !
https://www.aws.org/certification/page/home AMERICAN WELDERS SOCIETY
After you graduate trade school for welding, one of your first steps would be to apply for jobs as a welder. Even if it would be an entry level job, you will learn much more and will learn hands on with direction from your manager. The next thing would be to decide if you'd want to join the Welder's Union, such as pipe fitting and/or plumbing unions. Union workers earn more than non-union workers and there are many unions to choose from which you would learn of at work.
Applying for work as a welder means that you have a resume to send out to various companies that are hiring. There are sample resumes for welders on line that you can use as a guide. You will put all of your experience and education and any certifications you have received, such as certification from The American Welding Society. You can take that certification course while you're working or even before you obtain employment. I will provide the link below.
I would advise investing in additional tools so that you might also offer your services privately by placing an ad and working independently. That might be advantageous if you are having a delay in finding the job you want.
Actually, instead of there being first steps after you graduate, there are simultaneous steps. Your teachers at your school can provide a wealth of information for you when you've completed the course of study. It also may be possible to obtain job leads from the school, too.
Best wishes to you every step of the way !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Joel Sprague
Welding/materials engineer
12
Answers
East Bernard, Texas
Updated
Joel’s Answer
The guidance given above is spot-on! My dad was the one who taught me how to weld, and one of the most valuable tips he ever shared was this - "Once you've got the basics down, you'll find that other welders are usually quite willing to lend a hand and share their wisdom. Embrace any help that comes your way! Experiment with the various methods they suggest and choose the ones that suit your style the best. As you gain more experience and try out new techniques, your unique welding style will naturally develop. Remember to always be thankful for any advice you receive, whether you end up incorporating their suggested technique or not."
Warren Lubow
More than 30 years in technology Industry with Over 20+ years at the Executive Level in Business Development & Sales, Also an expert in Automotive, Cloud, IoT, and more
56
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Warren’s Answer
Do NOT wait until you graduate to start making connections and opportunities for yourself, get started now. Find local shops in your area, join local car clubs and start networking. Get into the "Local Car Scene" there are general car groups that have gatherings and do things like drives, Your local race track will be full of people who know shops that do welding and need welding.. Try picking up some side work offering your services on the cheap to start building a clientele and getting networked. Look at local shops find one working on things you like with people who are willing to take on an Apprentice or offer an Internship... Any local car Museums or specialty supply shops in welding supplies get to know the owners of the managers and ask about their customers who would be your future employers or possible apprentice or internship businesses
If you are not into cars apply the same practice to building - find out the big companies and the specialty suppliers of the welding services to them and get into that social circle of people.. Network, Network, Network.... Build a LinkedIn Profile and start connecting!!
If you are not into cars apply the same practice to building - find out the big companies and the specialty suppliers of the welding services to them and get into that social circle of people.. Network, Network, Network.... Build a LinkedIn Profile and start connecting!!
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Congratulations on your plans to attend trade school for welding! It's a great choice, and here are some thoughtful steps to take after you graduate:
1. Gain Experience: Look for apprenticeship or internship opportunities in welding to gain hands-on experience and refine your skills. Practical experience is invaluable in this field.
2. Networking: Build a network within the welding community by attending industry events, joining online forums, and connecting with professionals. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable advice.
3. Certification: Consider obtaining welding certifications relevant to your specialization. Having certifications can boost your credibility and open up more job opportunities.
4. Resume Building: Create a well-structured resume that highlights your education, skills, and any relevant work experience. Tailor it to showcase your welding skills and achievements.
5. Job Search: Start looking for entry-level welding positions in various industries such as manufacturing, construction, or automotive. Be proactive in sending out applications and follow up with potential employers.
6. Continuous Learning: The welding field is constantly evolving, so stay updated with the latest techniques and advancements in the industry. Attend workshops or take additional courses to enhance your knowledge.
7. Safety First: Always prioritize safety in your work. Adhere to safety guidelines and protocols to protect yourself and others in the workplace.
8. Personal Projects: While job hunting, consider taking on personal welding projects to build your portfolio and showcase your creativity and skills.
9. Be Open-Minded: Be open to different opportunities within the welding field. You may start with a specific goal, but exploring different paths can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career choices.
10. Career Advancement: As you gain experience and expertise, seek opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a welding inspector, supervisor, or even starting your own welding business.
Remember, the key to success in any career is dedication, hard work, and a passion for what you do. Pursue your passion for welding, and you'll find a fulfilling and rewarding career ahead. Good luck on your journey!
1. Gain Experience: Look for apprenticeship or internship opportunities in welding to gain hands-on experience and refine your skills. Practical experience is invaluable in this field.
2. Networking: Build a network within the welding community by attending industry events, joining online forums, and connecting with professionals. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable advice.
3. Certification: Consider obtaining welding certifications relevant to your specialization. Having certifications can boost your credibility and open up more job opportunities.
4. Resume Building: Create a well-structured resume that highlights your education, skills, and any relevant work experience. Tailor it to showcase your welding skills and achievements.
5. Job Search: Start looking for entry-level welding positions in various industries such as manufacturing, construction, or automotive. Be proactive in sending out applications and follow up with potential employers.
6. Continuous Learning: The welding field is constantly evolving, so stay updated with the latest techniques and advancements in the industry. Attend workshops or take additional courses to enhance your knowledge.
7. Safety First: Always prioritize safety in your work. Adhere to safety guidelines and protocols to protect yourself and others in the workplace.
8. Personal Projects: While job hunting, consider taking on personal welding projects to build your portfolio and showcase your creativity and skills.
9. Be Open-Minded: Be open to different opportunities within the welding field. You may start with a specific goal, but exploring different paths can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career choices.
10. Career Advancement: As you gain experience and expertise, seek opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a welding inspector, supervisor, or even starting your own welding business.
Remember, the key to success in any career is dedication, hard work, and a passion for what you do. Pursue your passion for welding, and you'll find a fulfilling and rewarding career ahead. Good luck on your journey!
C Grove
2
Answers
Updated
C’s Answer
Hey! Trade schools usually offer career assistance but if yours does not then building your resume and interview preparation are your first steps. Ask your instructors if they could write you letters of recommendation. If you need help building your resume there are resume templates that you could use or you could find a professional resume builder and pay them. However I would ask an instructor or academic advisor to help you create it yourself, so that way you can get some practice of how to do it.
Explore different career avenues such as building ships, pipe welding, underwater welding or construction.
Check out American Welding Society, they touch on careers, futhering your welding education as well as on resumes and cover letters too. (Under the Jobs tab at the top)
https://www.aws.org/home
Happy welding!!
Explore different career avenues such as building ships, pipe welding, underwater welding or construction.
Check out American Welding Society, they touch on careers, futhering your welding education as well as on resumes and cover letters too. (Under the Jobs tab at the top)
https://www.aws.org/home
Happy welding!!