Pipe Welding

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I need to change careers and I am looking into pipe welding.  I need some guidance I've been looking at websites for different schools and I'm noticing two main trends.  One is take three to four week course take certification test go to work.  Take other courses get more certs ect.  The other appears to be the formal education rout where you get a two year degree.  The other think I have looked into is the professional welder program at the Tulsa welding school.  Supposedly it is a 7 month program where you supposedly learn everything from structural welding to pipe welding.  I have no desire to be back in college again and I need to change careers fairly quickly.  I'm 31 years old and have to support my family so a two year program is a no way.  Anyway is it better to do something like the professional welder program or would I be better off going a different rout?  Any advice or help you guys and gals can offer would be much appreciated.
Reply:Just a thought, what about heading down to the local UA / pipe fitter's union hall, and ask if there is an out of work or retired member that would be willing to mentor you? There is nothing like one on one instruction! Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:There are a lot that do on-the-job training.  I know a couple around my area and I'm sure there are others around the country.Sent using Tapatalk
Reply:i'm not downing school. but i spent 5 years in school to the point i taught two advanced GTAW clases.it didn't put me in a job. ( they promised job placement)it didn't help me get weld test.it apparently didn't do much for me except let me use a metal shop with $$ equipment to teach my hands. 6 months on a real job taught me more than 5 years in school. are you a working welder right now?  I am,and i sneak pipe coupons in at work anytime i can. pretty sure bossmen would murder me if they found out,hah. but you gotta take risk to get your goals. if you have the tooling, i'd pratice as much as you can go grab your 6g cert and start looking for a second hand position on a line. you'll make decent money,you'll be a welder's B*&ch,but you'll learn the trade.
Reply:get a job of some sort in a pipe fabrication shop and practice very chance you get.
Reply:Get out on a pipeline as a helper making decent money, practice burning rods every chance you get, pay attention to why pipe welders do the things they do. Then practice more. School might be worth it but if you show up to a welding test and tell them about all your school training they may not be as impressed as you had hoped
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPJust a thought, what about heading down to the local UA / pipe fitter's union hall, and ask if there is an out of work or retired member that would be willing to mentor you? There is nothing like one on one instruction!
Reply:Look at Missouri Welding Institute. They have a 18 week program and you "can" learn up to 2" tig all the way out on stainless there.. As well as 2" stick and tig root/ stick it out test. With knowing how to pass those 3 test you can test mostly anywhere. You could join the UA after school also and they will bump you up in the Apprenticeship program and you can make journeyman early.