Possible future welder here, wanting to know how the view is on the inside?

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Hello everyone, I just graduated high school, and I am considering taking the year-long welding course at my local technical institution. I was trying to get into the U.S. Navy, but they wouldn't take me because I'm underweight, so I'm looking to learn something until I can get in. Welding has always interested me, being the guy in the helmet who gets to play with fire for an honest day's work (don't worry, I know it ain't an easy job, I don't have any misconceptions about that).So my questions are;1. I know the economy is bad all around, so how hard is it to find work as a welder right now? By extension, which welding disciplines get the most work and/or make the most money?2. After lurking this forum for a bit, I've noticed people arguing pro or anti-union. What's the difference?3. I'm near-sighted, will this be a problem? I know your work is always in your face in this job so I thought this would be a good thing, but I want to make sure.4. Anything you guys think I absolutely need to know?Thank you in advance.
Reply:I haven't been welding too long but, one of the best things you can do is find the right school. You want to find one that offers Stick structural\pipe, and a Tig pipe class. And make shure the Instructor is also a certified Inspector.The work just depends on what area your in, some are better than others. I just stand at the  gate and ask people whats coming up.
Reply:Thanks for the advice. I've emailed the instructor about these issues because the course description on the website wasn't very clear.
Reply:Too light?? Oh well. Try the airforce? After that, try the reserves of all the armed forces, don't forget the coast guard. Union or not is a matter of chance. Are they good to begin with?  Eyesight should not be a problem in general. Plenty of options out there. Where ever you live, google or craigslist welders jobs in your area or future desired place to live. It is very dissapointing to see what employeers are offering for a "living" wage these days. Wecome to the club & always keep educateing yourself about all aspects of the welding profession. Sky Hy out.
Reply:Thanks for the tips. I received a reply from the course instructor. How does this sound?"We are a 4 semester diploma program. We begin with oxy-acetylene cutting then oxy-acetylene braze welding and fusion welding in the flat position , then we stick weld ( Shielded Metal Arc )  Tee joints in the Flat- Vertical and overhead positions. In the second semester we stick weld beveled plate in the horizontal – vertical -45degree – and overhead positions. Third semester we stick weld pipe in the horizontal, vertical and 45 degree positions and Mig weld tee joints and beveled plate . Fourth semester we tig weld tee joints in all positions ,beveled plate in all positions and pipe in all positions. I am not a certified inspector."So he's not certified, what does this mean for the quality of his instruction?
Reply:Cool Tool, You ask "So he's not certified, what does this mean for the quality of his instruction?"As far as being an instructor, it really could go either way. I have seen instructors that are not certified inspectors that were great teachers, and I have also seen instructors that are certified inspectors that could not teach a dog to bark. It is all about the teaching abilities of the instructor. Doing something and teaching someone to do it are two different animals and some are not capable of doing both. I am a great example. I can weld very well and I am an AWS CWI but I will be the first to admit that I am not the best "teacher". There are certain aspects of teaching that I am lacking in, for example, patience with lack of common sense or hard headed people. The biggest benefit of having an instructor that is also a certified inspector would be the knowledge one could gain in respects to what one will face in the real world on code jobs and such. IE what is rejectable or acceptable as far as defects and procedure per the applicable codes ect.jrw159
Reply:A question to ask the training facility is; do they offer certification tests on site & is the cost of the test inlcuded in the cost of the course.  If the answere is no then you will heave some additional costs beyond what you intitially planned for.  Also, do they have job placement assistance?
Reply:As far as that goes;"Before graduation, students are required to meet quality standards through practical weld tests as specified by the American Welding Society and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Codes and Requirements. These tests ensure that graduates can perform quality work before they go on the job."I'll ask if these are covered in tuition. Now, a new questions for you folks; what are the technical specialties in the Welding field, and what does each do?And thanks for the reply, jrw.
Reply:The Navy is a good place to learn pipe welding.UA Local 598
Reply:That's true, but I wanted to learn something with electronics, or something that would net me a security clearance.
Reply:underwater welding- some consider this a specialty. exotic metal welders-specialty materials such as stainless, Inconel, aluminum, and monel, hastelloy, titanium, zirconium welding and chamber welding.then there are other specialty area's- welding metallurgist kinda goes along with exotic metals. that's all I can think of right now. I am sure there are others
Reply:I hear that underwater welders make a killing, but the lifestyle is crap. This true?
Reply:Originally Posted by Cool Tool CoolidgeI hear that underwater welders make a killing, but the lifestyle is crap. This true?
Reply:Huh, I didn't know there was such a job in the Navy, but I do want a rate with a security clearance.
Reply:I got mine in the army signal corps - easiest way to get a high level clearance is to get a job in communications.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:That's what a friend of mine is doing, he ships out in a few months. I'm not sure whether to envy or pity him.
Reply:The welding school I just finished has a certified welding inspector teacher and he is damn good. Try to find a school that also offers blueprint, layout, advanced pipe welding , and metallurgy classes if you can. These will help you alot.
Reply:I know they do two print reading courses (would layout be included or is that something totally different?), and they don't do metallurgy. The rest of that is included though.
Reply:I have two more questions. 1. Are there any terms/slang I need to learn?2. Is welding hard on your body?
Reply:Originally Posted by Cool Tool CoolidgeI have two more questions. 1. Are there any terms/slang I need to learn?2. Is welding hard on your body?
Reply:Hm, I suppose you're right. Everything has risks. I appreciate the reply.