Out of High School... Now what?

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Morning everyone!!So recently, at long last, I've finally graduated from High School  And I feel like I'm ready to move one with life. As you may have guessed, I wanna be a weldor when I grow up  and I'm looking to further my education some more.Someday, I want to run my own shop/have my own business, and so I'm looking to get on the path that will lead me there. Pipe welding doesn't interest me that much, but general fabrication and pretty much everything else, does.Both of my parents hold multiple degrees for various things, and really want me to get into school somewhere. I really don't like school, but since it seems to be the best way to get onto the fast track to running a business of my own, I'm more than interested. I'm currently in Southern Ohio, and truth be told, I'm looking to re-locate. I REALLY want to go somewhere warmer, I've spent my whole life living in New York, Michigan, and Ohio, and while theres nothing wrong with the cold, its not for me, and I need a warmer climate. I really like Texas, I've got family and a few friends in Austin, and would like to eventually end up in the Austin, Dallas, or San Antonio area, although I'm open to anything for the time being...  Even though its not a college, I've given serious thought to the Lincoln Electric school in Cleveland. How would a school like that compare to a two year college?Anyone have any input or advice? What colleges have the best welding programs? As always, thanks in advance, I appreciate it... [Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:If you have the chance to get a degree in something then get it now. As much talent as you have with welding and fab work that will come easily. I am 43 and working on my business degrees. The older you get the harder it is to get back into the school learning mindset. If you want to run your own business a 4 year degree in Business Admin. would be helpful.Making as much progress as a one legged duck in the middle of a pond, just going in circles.
Reply:I want to take the class at lincoln too. As far as school goes, there is a big difference when you are being forced to go to school (grade, middle, highschool) and when you choose to go to school. I'ts a totally different mentality. You take it more seriously, because it's money out of your own pocket.As you have figured out by now you get out what you put in.The miller class is what a week long? Take it, then check out your local community colleges. Also another job and saving money is a great idea. Why because the biggest bitch I've met is Sallie Mae. So if you can go to school and pay for it while doing so and come out with no loans you are better off!Let me know if you take the lincoln class I would love some reviews and maybe I'll take it with you.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I agree some sort of business classes would help a lot if you want to run your own business some day. There's a ton of guys who can do the work, but can't make a business work because they can't handle the business end of the job. That's the hardest part of my business, the office stuff.As mentioned, go back to school NOW, not later. I did that and it's the hard way to try and do things. You still have all the learning and research skills fresh in your mind, and that will make it that much easier on you in school.If you are at all mathematically inclined, I'd look into an engineering program if your grades will support it. Hands on skills plus the training will put you a head of those with just book smarts.Good luck..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:The Lincoln school is primarily for welding.  Read through the various courses:  http://www.lincolnelectric.com/asset...ed122-2012.pdfCompare the courses to a community college AAS program in various disciplines:  http://www.jtcc.edu/academics/academ...nical-studies/   Note the additional courses like math, blueprint reading, technical writing, business psychology, QA, etc.My young one has done a lot of the technical courses for welding, machining and CNC and some of the base requirements for the AAS.  As it stands, I think he can get three different "career studies" certificates. He's a pretty good welder and recently got his first job in a machine shop.Last edited by Oldendum; 06-27-2012 at 11:05 AM."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:Congrats on the graduation!!! I know that you said that you want to move to a warmer climate but I know there are places that will hire you on right from high school and give you a lot of training. In Marinette, WI, there is Marinette Marine that is actually looking for entry level welders right out of high school that built a training facility. They say that they are starting welders between $30,000-$50,000 a year. Not bad for starting. To adress the "not wanting to go back to school", there are one year programs that cover all forms of welding and some fabrication tehniques. I took a one year program at Fox Valley Technical Collage, called Production Welding, that was perfect for me because I was 27 years old, working full-time, with a 5 year old daughter. After graduation, I was making amost twice what I made before. All for comitting 1 year of schooling. I HIGHLY recommend further education at trade school.Go hot, or go home!
Reply:I never thought that I would say this, but college (4 yr degree) doesn't seem to get anybody anywhere.   I have two undergraduate (double major) and a graduate degree.  One of my degrees is in Business Administration.  Decades ago the degrees helped me start my career.  Sadly in today's economic downfall, the only thing a college grad gets upon graduation, is MAJOR DEBT and a job that pays slightly higher than minimum wage.I'd recommend a technical trade school nowadays vs traditional college.  In society, the skill of being some type of "tradesman" is rapidly becoming a lost art.  Look at all of the college grads that come out with MBMA's, law degrees etc... Yet can't find a job!  Its terrible!Yet many people now can't even figure out how to use a hammer and nail.  I'd say, go to some technical school for fabrication. Learn modern things too like CNC machining and automation in your field that you love so much.  Manufacturing in this country is shrinking every year, however the strong companies that are making it, will need skilled and trained "hands on" quality people. Perhaps a technical college for the welding/fabrication part, in conjunction with "some" business skill admin training. Even an AA degree from a two yr community college would be beneficial.   Many trade schools offer both courses of study simultaneously. For a business, it's all about gaining profits, managing liabilities (supplies, work comp insurance, payroll, taxes, permits/licensing, continual training requirements/certs, property lease, advertising/marketing, and finally...... paying yourself).  Running a business isn't easy.  You will more than likely have to start working at a business in your field and learn the "ropes" inside and out, before opening up your own. You have a tough time ahead of you, but if you want something bad enough, you'll get it.  You're just going to have to bust your @$$ to get there.  Again, the simple answer is get trained at a technical school/college for starters..  High school welding shop credentials alone,  99% of the time won't get you a good job.  Not unless you "know" somebody in a union that can get you in.Last edited by ANVIL; 06-27-2012 at 01:07 PM. "Hey I didn't come to look and learn, I came to turn and burn.... If I can't light up, I'm gonna light out!"-JodyIdealarc 250 "Fatman"MM 252MM 211 "Little boy" Victor Torches
Reply:Lanse, Texas State Technical College    Waco,Texas  http://www.waco.tstc.edu/programs/wa.../degreesncerts1981 SA-250 D3.1521985 Cab & Chassis Chevy C30
Reply:Train well for what ya' love, so you can be the best,  hard as you can.  It takes time, yu'll sweat your share,  so what you're young... NEVER quit.  If it doesn't exist... make it exist.I would be up for a WW scholaship for Lanse to use as he sees fit for his education at any level  He could be the first one, our own li'l guinea pig so to speak... I got $20 to open the fund.  Someone else needs to make a paypal  place etc and dole out the  the dough when  he needs it. for ex Lanse here's a way, maybe not your way but it shows you a path: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nttA_nq9yw[/ame]Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Find a JC that has a good welding program, get your AS in welding and take a few business classes while there. Many people undervalue the community college, Usually lots a good instructors, atleast my welding program was like that. If you want to make having your own shop a possibility and actually make money doing it you need to know the business side more that the welding side. Like others have said a lot of guys can weld, not make can weld and run a business at the same time.  Also be prepard for 10-12 hour days, figure 8 out in the field working, than come home work on bids RFI, change orders, all sorts of paper work you could never imagine.
Reply:There's always the Navy too.  I wonder if getting trained in the navy as a deep sea welder would open up doors outside of the military? By hen again, the competition for that job would probably be fierce.Last edited by ANVIL; 06-27-2012 at 02:19 PM. "Hey I didn't come to look and learn, I came to turn and burn.... If I can't light up, I'm gonna light out!"-JodyIdealarc 250 "Fatman"MM 252MM 211 "Little boy" Victor Torches
Reply:I spent 13 years to get my 4 degree...... I wish I had gone to tech school instead.......Hind sight is what I have.......I say follow your passion...... Your gut is almost always right........Precision TIG 185 and MP 210Bobcat 225NTCutmaster 42O/A tanks.... 2 Argon tanks...... 2 C25 TanksFacebook...... F2 Metal WorksETSY....... https://www.etsy.com/shop/F2MetalWorksF2MetalWorks.com....... http://www.f2metalworks.com/
Reply:I have never regretted the six years of working full time and going to school at night to get my degree.  If you don't give school a try I believe you will be sorry later.I agree with those suggesting a CC with a good welding program.  If you aim to run a business you will need at least the basic accounting, economics and finance courses.  You may prefer to have these chores handled by others if your business can support it but you need to understand the basics.
Reply:Enlisted 1981, had large fun most of the time, retired (as in "don't have to work unless I feel like it") 2007. Everyone else I went to school with is still working except one (literally) brilliant fellow who sold off his software company and retired a few years ago. You can take college courses while in service, and get a full four-year ride with monthly living allowance when your separate or retire. No student loans, no living hand-to-mouth, the economy doesn't affect you, and the tech training is excellent. If you can weld you can do a wide variety of technical jobs simply because you already know how to LEARN and to work with your hands. Those traits are not as common as people think nowadays.Texas is packed with aviation businesses, and thousands of folks go from the Air Force to a civilian career.Plenty of support is available for veterans in terms of loans, etc. If you go Guard or Reserve you can combine a civilian career with staying at one home station, though you wait longer to take retirement. I've NEVER met anyone who regretted a full career, twenty years flies by, and you'll be prepared for a change while most people are committed to working until they drop dead on the job.
Reply:Ohio state has Welding EngineeringMiller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:Originally Posted by sixstringLanse, Texas State Technical College    Waco,Texas  http://www.waco.tstc.edu/programs/wa.../degreesncerts
Reply:Congrats on your graduation Lanse!aside from the welding classes I would recommend some business courses since you mentioned that you want to run your own shop someday.(The welding is the easy part)Either way I'm sure that you will go far in this field.  Tear it up!Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:Want a warmer climate?  How about the shipbuilding apprentice school at Newport News, VA ?  They pay you to train, $13 - $23/hr. depending on how long you're in.  http://www.apprenticeschool.com/Here are the available trades:http://www.apprenticeschool.com/programs.html"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:Wow you're just out of high school? The few stick welding videos of yours that I've watched are really good with that in mind.I think if I were in your shoes I would look for a job doing what you think want to do for a living. Take some basic college course at night, especially something small business related if you can get it.At least then you can spend a few years making money, learning and getting experience, and really finding out if this is what you want to do. If you end up not caring for it, then you're really just out a little time. It's not like getting a 150k degree and then deciding you don't want to do whatever it is you studied.IW Local 580 NY, NY
Reply:If your folks are willing to flip the bill, get your education first. I made good money right out of hs and have regretted not having a degree ever since that run came to an end. I've managed to get one year in plus taken several specialty classes which has only created debt.It's highly unlikely 20 years from now you'll regret having a degree. The opposite may not be so. Good luck and enjoy the summer, congratulations on graduating!
Reply:If at any point in the future you choose to pursue higher education, I have heard it said that, all college/university study falls under two categories, English (or language) and Math. I also heard it said that the students that excel at math courses, make the most money.Woah, counting makes you more money? City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:College now is generally better than later as it gets harder to do with age as others have noted.  Once you really start working full time, maybe get married, it gets to be very hard to get the motivation as well as the time (and money with spouse, kids, house...) to get re-engaged into going to college.It sounds like you know or at least strongly feel you want to go to Texas.  Find out what the state college requirements are for in-state tuition.  Do that for both 4-yr and 2- yr schools.  Perhaps you need to be there a year, or maybe more.  See if you can swing moving in with one of the relatives there for a bit and find a job to get you going and get residency, and save money.  Then tuition will be much easier to handle, though still not simple.  You might need some other coursework in welding before you leave OH to help you land a welding job as otherwise you won't have much in the way of credentials to convince employers.  And it would still be bottom rung jobs you would be able to find, but if you show skills and work ethic in a decent place, you can move up fast.I'd start by looking into the colleges in TX and seeing what one or ones have programs you may want.  Your high school counselors may still be willing to help you here a bit, even though you are out now.  They might have a resource room with literature and info to help jump start that.  If you can handle the work, an engineering degree can be very valuable as it really teaches you how to solve problems - a skill that is very valuable in all fields, including running a business.  But engineering school isn't easy and is not for someone with light academics as you will have a hard time getting in, and then a hard time surviving if that is the case.  Some engineering programs are less in demand so they can be easier to get into.  EE is tough.  Depending on the school Chem E or MechE can be tough or not too bad to get into.  Civil Eng tends to be lower demand too.  You will get a lot from any engineering program, and once in, you can change majors to some degree early on.  Yeah I'm an engineer... :-)If that doesn't appeal to you, I would still look into those colleges for other opportunities.  Perhaps a business program, especially if they have an entrepreneur focused program.My $0.02-DaveXMT304 with: 22A Feeder, or HF251 Hi Freq DC TIG air cooled