questions from NC

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Hey, im 23 yrs old.  I have been welding for 2 years now and have been on a few gigs and now work for Southern Inudstrial Constructors.  My deal is i really want to get into a better welding trade.  I keep looking at schools like the buck mickle center in SC sponsored by flour and the westinghouse in TN.  Problem is this,  I got stuck with a DWI last year and just got the chance to go to court due to being on the road and such.  Most of these schools dont seem to like that at least as the application says.  Curious if there are any options i got other than what im doing now,  which is welding out pipe in the back every chance i get so i can get better.  Anyone know how bad they really frown on such things, or know anything in NC going on?  Its not a felony so im clear on that one, but ya know still gotta go through **** for a year.
Reply:A DWI or some minor MJ possession charge may not seem like a big deal to youngsters, but to employers that are letting you in the door it is a deal.  The employer needs somebody that they can send on any job that shows up that they can make $$$ on.  Some jobs require a UA test to get in the door.  Some require regular testing.  This is often required by the customer.  It is an attempt to guarantee the quality of the work & those producing the product.  Don't forget the safety factor of a sober workforce!   Bide you time and this will pass.  If it is a 1 time issue you can spin it in to a "learning experience" when you declare it in the future.  Good luck
Reply:I totally agree with you,  And there lies the problem.  It was a ****ty deal that happend ya know.  I get drug tested very frequently and have never popped due to the fact that im clean.  I dont touch that stuff for my personal reasons and also cause i too hate working on jobs with people who are strung out or either hung over.  It was a freak deal that happend to me and they got lucky and i am taking responsiblity for it.  I just dont want it to affect what im passionate about and am just curious if i have to put goals on hold for a year.  Being targeted and told you were targeted because of a rigid box in the back of the truck and a safety vest on the passengers seat isnt very great either.  Just wanted to see if anyone knew anything or went through the same ordeal and what not.
Reply:where in NC are you located? Im in Charlotte and Central Piedmont has a really good welding program. I feel your pain on the DWI deal, been there done that.
Reply:Im just outside of Raleigh
Reply:Virginia Beach has a school that runs for a year on structural and maritime welding that takes you through mig tig and stick plus fluxcore and using a pipe lathe as well as a pipe torch and plasma cutter and regular hand held torches.  You also get to work with stainless and aluminum and work towards getting your 6G certification.  The school does work with students to get into local and distant companies and also has student housing and financial aid so basically you could cool your wheels for a year and have five days a week of welding education.  The school is called ATI Advanced Technical Institute.  As for jobs that provide training you can look at BAE systems in Norfolk as well as Huntington Ingalls industries in Newport News and Liebherr corporation in Newport News also.  The first two are ship builders while the last builds giant open mine trucks as well as a host of other heavy to light duty industrial equipment and non industrial equipment world wide.