Need advice on welding career

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I am looking into becoming a welder myself, but I do not know much about the trade. I have not welded a single minute in my life but , for some reason, the trade interests. The school that I am going to offers a course that teaches all aspects of welding in a one year course, at the end of the course all I would receive is a certificate. Is the pay pretty good as a welder the longer you do it? Is there job stability within the trade if I decide to work at a shipyard? How do I know if the program that I am going to school for is worth the time or even a good program to begin with? How long does it usually take everybody to get hired if you lived in Florida? Thank you.
Reply:I would suggest that you ask the school where you are looking at attending to see if you can attend for a day or two to see if you even like welding. Can you handle the heat, the smoke and the noise, etc? Once you've tried it and find you like to learn more about it then i suggest go visit welding shops and ask questions like do they hire new welders? what is the pay scale? is there is a demand in your area? how hard would it be to find work once you're out of school? and what school do they recommend? then you can make an informed decision.
Reply:Find out if the cert you can receive is an actual recognized certification and more importantly see if the school helps or has a program with employers for job placement at the end of the course. Welders wages can vary a lot depending on the type of work and how good you are. Not everyone is cut out to be a welder so always have a plan B in case it's not for you.
Reply:Welcome to the forum.Lincoln A/C 225Everlast P/A 200
Reply:I don't know about Florida, but in Texas, and especially Houston, weldors are always in demand, from shipyards and tank shops, to chemical plants to fab shops.I would suggest you also learn a complimentary set of skills, for when your eyes start to give up on you, like machining, or metal forming, like the use of shears, breaks, or layout and fit-up.Either way, you will never have to be without a job any longer than you want to.Once you learn to weld(that means you can pass the weld test without fail), you will be able to get a job. It may not be your dream job, but if you are diligent about your job search, and make a good impression, you will get a job. After that, experience and exposure will assist you in locating better jobs.At each job, no matter how mundane, try to learn something that will make you a better worker, employee, or weldor.Last edited by geezerbill; 02-21-2015 at 09:42 AM.Hobart Beta-Mig 2511972 Miller AEAD-200LEMiller 250 TwinNorthern Ind. Hybrid 200Longevity Stick 140Longevity Migweld 200SThermal Arc Pak 3XR
Reply:And look forward to a beat to hell aching body in your 50's+.
Reply:Originally Posted by Bosco99And look forward to a beat to hell aching body in your 50's+.
Reply:Bad eyes runs in the family. I'm not wearing glasses yet, but my lil brother, mother, and father all need them. I'm used to the harshness of the environment from playing football in the hot florida sun and the military. I don't know much about the trade but i really like the physically demanding aspect.
Reply:Think about it for a second...you asked similar to "Can an auto mechanic make money?".  I've know people with the mechanics certificate from a brand-name school that I wouldn't let change a tire and couldn't make decent money if it was piled in front of them.  And I've known guys who could work 24/7/365 because their skills were in such demand.It's not about the certificate, it's what you actually learn and the path you take to leverage that.  Welders who got the cert are a dime a dozen because there are so many welding drone programs are out there.  Around here they are always looking for guys with VERY high skills on aluminum as well as secondary knowledge of fabrication--but the guy who focused on iron will be searching for something to do.  Opposite in other areas.    Point is, you have to think beyond the generic "certified welder" stuff because the other 8 out of 10 in the class aren't. You will HAVE to stand above the crowd in some way (usually specification) to do well.And re-read other posts regarding what was said about deciding if you like it before committing to the program.  This is a bigger deal than it sounds--welding as a career is not for everyone. The reality is not the same as the hype.
Reply:I will be going to santa fe college in gainesville fl. A local welder in the area who owns a business said that it is a very good school. How do i get to look at or shadow some welders before school. I'm signed up to start April by the way.
Reply:Get a job as a helper.Hobart Beta-Mig 2511972 Miller AEAD-200LEMiller 250 TwinNorthern Ind. Hybrid 200Longevity Stick 140Longevity Migweld 200SThermal Arc Pak 3XR