Job leads in VA or NC

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As I sit here and dread clocking back in from my lunch break and entering the gates of hell, I scavenge the classifieds for work and no luck. So, I turn to one of the best resources around, this site, and ask for help. Does anyone know anywhere hiring for entry level welders? I have a gmaw, fcaw and 2 smaw certs under my belt. Thanks as always guys.
Reply:Where are you located  Sent from my C811 4G using TapatalkVantage 300 kubota ,miller 304 xmt ,lincoln ln 25 pro , ranger 305 G, plenty of other tools of the trade to make the sparks fly.
Reply:Yeah.  The southern border of VA is about 430 miles wide."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Haha, sorry, I live in Henry county, near martinsville and the NC border.
Reply:check out roadtechs.com -seen a lot of jobs on the both coasts lately.
Reply:Originally Posted by FlashedAs I sit here and dread clocking back in from my lunch break and entering the gates of hell, I scavenge the classifieds for work and no luck. So, I turn to one of the best resources around, this site, and ask for help. Does anyone know anywhere hiring for entry level welders? I have a gmaw, fcaw and 2 smaw certs under my belt. Thanks as always guys.
Reply:The problem I'm having is experience.
Reply:If you are willing to travel (you probably won't have to travel far) practice up on your heli-arc on carbon and stainless. Practice your uphill pipe- 6010 and 7018 out. Log on to Roadtechs.com and schedule a test.  Boiler shutdowns usually last 6-8 weeks and pay $26-30/hour and $60-100/day per diem.  If you're easy to get along with and don't think you know it all, you'll become part of the click and those guys stay busy year-round.
Reply:Thank you sir, that's currently the route I'm on for now. I'm trying to think of other skills that supplement welding in today's job market.
Reply:Get a CDL. Get HVAC and diesel mechanic experience then move to Texas. Wish somebody told me to move to Texas when I was 18. It would've saved me a lot of money and made me a lot of money a lot sooner. I was born and raised in VA btw.
Reply:First thing to remember is a job advertised in a classified is going to be a poor job. Good jobs and good employers do not need to advertise their jobs. There are some that only hire through manpower so I would go check there on jobs. Most all job descriptions read like it takes an houdini to fulfill the requirements. Do not let them scare you. You can't get a job if you do not apply. I would search your area, find who are the best employers in the area for your job skills and apply there every six months no matter what. Most companies throw out job aps every six months.
Reply:Electricians in the oil field are always busy.  That's a great avenue to take too.
Reply:I'm 25 so started a little late on my career choice. I spent too much time chasing women in my youth but live and learn. Virginia is beautiful and will always be home but not much work where I'm located. I've got a mechanic background just not diesel. Thank you for the insight. Kinda wish I would of focused more straight out of high school. I'd like to learn or get some experience around heavy equipment. The deeper I dig the more companies want welders who can also do three other types of trades.
Reply:Thanks so much for your help and insight gentleman. Very much appreciated.
Reply:I heard companies that buy CAT equipment also want operators with it.  Those guys are making $100,000 and more. Go to you local CAT dealer and start asking questions.  You're right about Virginia tho.  If you aren't serving big government and live in northern VA, good luck trying to make a living in that state.  I graduated college when I was 23 so I understand you feeling like you're behind the 8 ball. I left VA at 23 and rigged up at 25.  Seriously, Texas is great for opportunity, even with the bust in the oil field, Midland and Odessa are still busy.  A lot of welding shops in Houston.  One thing most people won't consider is living in an RV.  In Texas you can live in one year round- plenty of parks.  RV parks usually cost 400-500 a month and usually include electricity.  Even with a note on a RV, you'll be all inclusive at around 800 a month. Just things to consider bud. Ive been here since 2012 and my family still can't wrap their heads around how we live.  I can go to the work and Im not paying a 2,000 a month mortgage either.