I need help breaking into oilfield welding.

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I'm currently trying to get myself into welding in the oilfield, specifically pipeline or rig welding. I've worked in flowback/well testing for about a year, and I've worked some roustabout when they needed me during that time. While working roustabout, I got to talking with the pipeline welders on site, and they let me know what their typical work day was like, and how much an oilfield welder could expect to make. Needless to say, I was blown away.I'd love to weld as a career, and if I could make a good living doing it, then all the better. However, taking metal shop in high school is the only experience I have with stick welding (although I'd say I definitely wasn't the worst at it). I was told to start off as a welder's helper to build up some experience and to keep some food on the table while I save up to buy my own truck and rig, but my problem is that I haven't found any leads to pursue.Where do I look for work? Who exactly hires the welder's helpers? How can I find these people? I have been searching and searching, but I still haven't found the answers I'm looking for. I'm willing to relocate anywhere, and I'll follow the work wherever it goes. Can anyone on this forum help point me in the right direction? Id definitely appreciate any and all help!
Reply:if you want to work as a welder's helper (or just about anywhere else) you gotta go where the work is. look in the phone book get the address of some of these contractors and haunt the yard in the am. stop by the 7/11 in the mornings and look for the welding trucks and strike up a conversation and see if anyone's looking for a helper. if there's any pipeline work in your area go there. show up in person rather than just calling on the phone.  check out the lws and ask around there.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Go to the Dakota's and you will get a job, and likely with a welder. They are begging for any kind of workers up there.
Reply:Keep in mind that it takes 8 to 10 thousand hours for a person to learn a trade.  It does not happen overnight or a few months.  A typical welding course for someone with no expereince is well over 500 hours of instruction and practice.  After a year or two of experience then a person is ready to learn how to weld around things like pipe.  Welding is a hand skill no different that learning to play the piano.  I have seen some gifted people but they also need time learning under a helmet.
Reply:Welderj - Do you happen to know of any company names that are hiring, or any cities that have welders and helpers in high demand? I can go anywhere, include the Dakotas, but I have no leads.DocWelder - Thanks for the advice, I'll be sure when I do find a welding yard to frequent there in the AM often. I have no shame in bothering people until I get the job. Although, I'm not really sure how to find out where the actually field jobsites are located at, but If I stumble into one ill be sure to head there everyday as well.lotechman - I understand exactly what you mean, and im willing to put the time an effort into learning the welding craft. Welding is something I can see myself having a passion for, because its a skill that is actually usable in areas of life outside of the oilfield. Thats the main reason I quit working in flowback and roustabout, because neither of those jobs taught me a valuable and transferrable life skill.