Just got certified, now what?

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I just got certified about a month ago in stick and am now taking a class to get my MIG certification.My question is: now what?What kind of jobs should I apply for while I'm attending school?Where is a good place to apply?I also took a blueprint reading course, but I would rather study blueprints more before applying for a job that requires blueprint reading.
Reply:I have no idea but you might want to mention your location. Better yet, put it in your profile.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Certified for what?Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120I know I'm certifiable.....
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120I know I'm certifiable.....
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveI used to be...doctor certified me years ago...
Reply:Originally Posted by WannaBeWelderI just got certified about a month ago in stick and am now taking a class to get my MIG certification.My question is: now what?What kind of jobs should I apply for while I'm attending school?A welders helper, if not a welder.Where is a good place to apply?A welding /fabrication shop or a welding construction or pipeline company. Perhaps a shipyard or boat building co.I also took a blueprint reading course, but I would rather study blueprints more before applying for a job that requires blueprint reading.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauGravel is correct, if we knew more about where you are located it might help to make a more informed suggestion on where to apply for a job.
Reply:Certified on what materials?  You just list positions and that's only part of the equation.
Reply:Originally Posted by WannaBeWelderCanonsburg, PA
Reply:Originally Posted by PoptmCertified on what materials?  You just list positions and that's only part of the equation.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauThat's much closer to a location, now put it in your profile so others will know in the future that may not have seen this thread.
Reply:Originally Posted by WannaBeWelderThanks! I added it to my profile.Thanks! I'll apply to some drilling rig companies (how do I do that? do I just find drilling rig companies near my area, put in an application, and take a welding test?)What about Marcellus Shale?
Reply:Originally Posted by WannaBeWelderI just got certified about a month ago in stick and am now taking a class to get my MIG certification.My question is: now what?What kind of jobs should I apply for while I'm attending school?Where is a good place to apply?I also took a blueprint reading course, but I would rather study blueprints more before applying for a job that requires blueprint reading.
Reply:I would go to DISNEYLAND !!       Congrats buddy !
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1I would go to DISNEYLAND !!       Congrats buddy !
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterJust make sure you take a class on "Common Sense" and know what can be done and what should not be done in the world of welding....zap!
Reply:You really need to be certified to weld in all positions. It is much more attractive to a potential employer when your certified in all 4 positions.  You also need some experience. I've seen certified guys come to do ironwork with fresh structural certs and in short order they were laid off cause they couldn't put out welds in all positions that would pass QC inspection and required repair. The cert may get you in the door but it's the work you do on a daily basis that will keep you employed.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Originally Posted by snoeproeYou really need to be certified to weld in all positions. It is much more attractive to a potential employer when your certified in all 4 positions.  You also need some experience. I've seen certified guys come to do ironwork with fresh structural certs and in short order they were laid off cause they couldn't put out welds in all positions that would pass QC inspection and required repair. The cert may get you in the door but it's the work you do on a daily basis that will keep you employed.
Reply:Originally Posted by WannaBeWelder I don't own any welding machines and the only place I can weld is at the college where I'm taking the courses. What do you suggest? What is the best way to get experience?
Reply:Knowing who the certifying authority was would also help.  AWS is only one.  There are tests conducted under ASME.  Railroad association,  American petroleum Institute and dozens more.   Best place to find work is at break time while in school.  This is especially so if you have a variety of upgraders taking training.  you will hear all kinds of rumors about which local company has contracts and which companies you don't want to work for.  Some instructors also have an idea about which companies are hiring.   Keep in mind that your first few jobs will be at the end of a grinder doing labour work but that is how we all start out.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauGet your own welding machine. If you don't know for sure where you will be welding, or you only have an outdoor area to weld in, then an engine drive welder may be what you need to look into. You can take it where you need to go, and don't have to worry about whether there is a properly sized electrical outlet nearby. The best way to get experience? Hood time.
Reply:Originally Posted by WannaBeWelderBy "break time" do you mean summer/winter?
Reply:Break time I mean coffee break and lunch break.  Most schools take in "upgraders"  They are people who are in only for a few days to do a test to upgrade their qualification or to renew their tickets.  They will have lunch breaks also and if you are sociable without clinging you might get some tips from someone who is current on the local job market.   I knew someone who caught a comment from one upgrader at break that he had an appointment for a job but was not going to bother.  My aquaintance asked if he could go instead and the guy gave him the particulars.  It turned out to be a ten hours a day job six days a week for 14 bucks an hour.  This was in the early 1990's.  My friend had not even reached his 21st bithday and he was already pulling down over 40K a year.If you are AWS certified likely you can access the AWS site and get a list of certified companies in your area.  We can do a similar thing here in Canada with the Canadian Welding Bureau.Last edited by lotechman; 05-22-2014 at 08:58 PM.