Soon to enter work force; questions regarding shipyard/structural work in NY/NJ area

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Hello folks,I'm currently in trade school for welding; upon graduation I will hold an AWS D1.1, will be trained in SMAW, and have significant experience in GTAW, GMAW, and oxy-fuel cutting. Ultimately, I would like to work in shipbuilding or building/bridge structural work. I understand this will not happen immediately. I've heard in shipyards there is a lot of work using FCAW, so I'm going to pay extra to also be certified in that.I was curious what other certifications I'll need and if anyone could provide insight on shipyards and structural companies that operate in the tri-state area such as what they ask of prospective employees, difficultly of obtaining work, where they're located, and such. Union or non-union employment is subjective. I need to do more research on that matter.Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Reply:Where are you attending school?
Reply:Have you contacted any of your prospective employers? They may hire you straight out of trade school and train you on the job. Welders are hard to come by these days.The last job I was on, we had some welders  that the company had recruited out of trade school, then trained them in their school and put them on the job making $30 an hour, and these guys were seriously green. They weren't even allowed to weld butt weld pipe, only socket welds with TIG.
Reply:I attend school in Paterson, NJ. I live fifteen minutes from the George Washington Bridge and am an early-riser so I'm considering employment in one of the five boroughs. If a job opportunity presented itself, I'd even relocate to within NYC. I haven't contacted any potential employers yet. I graduate in April and was told that the career services staff will aid us in finding employment in the area we choose. No promises, but in these times what more can you ask for of them?I'm only nineteen and have no prior experience in the welding field. I thought about contacting some  of the yards, but I wasn't sure if attempting to get in with them as an individual greenhorn would seem a bit unprofessional. Is simply asking to set up an appointment with a company representative to speak about possible employment a foolish idea? I'd assume they would see it as initiative.
Reply:not foolish at all, put in an application and see what happens. you might save yourself some money on the flux core training. Shipyards train people all the time. It's a good place to get started, they might even let you learn how to do pipe, that pays better than structural.I got hired at Avondale Shipyard straight out of trade school waaaaay back in 1978. I had to take a little stick test, then they put me in their school. I didn't stay long, but they did hire me.
Reply:you might also want to try and find out what contractors do the work in the refineries in New Jersey. Refineries pay better than shipyards. It's possible to get hired on as a structural welder or even a pipefitter helper in a refinery and they may let you practice up on pipe till you can pass the pipe test.
Reply:here's you some welder jobs in NJ on Indeed.com. you can also google welder jobs in New JerseyFab shops are also good places for new welders to get some experience. http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Welders&l=new+jersey
Reply:The last shipyard I worked in offered their own school after your shift. It was free for employees to attend. I went to their FCAW school for three nights. The first night the instructor showed me how it was done then I practiced for an hour. The second night I started by turning all the switched and dials then getting the instructor to show me how to set it up. (He said I was the first person to ever do that) The third night I tested 2, 3, and 4G and passed all three. I don't know how much your school will charge you to include FCAW in your class but I would see if the local shipyards have their own classes before I paid too much.
Reply:Public yards (Groton CT, Bath ME, Norfolk VA) are going to spend more money/time training you.  Private yards have to make a profit so they will focus more on getting you to a position where you are gainfully employed faster.Lot of people want a job quickly so they go to a private yard while looking for a public job to open up.  A lot of this is based on the pay/benefits differences.  From the government side, they won't be as concerned about your qualifications although it will help you to distinguish yourself early in the training process.
Reply:First, I'd like to thank you guys for the helpful information and professional advice.I sent my resume out to a few private yards (forgot a subject line in the email. Embarrassing) and am waiting on responses. I'm hoping they'll at least have the courtesy to turn me down if they have other things in mind so I know where they stand.41 Farmall A's information is worth it's weight in gold. I'm going to put in a resume at some public yards next.Again, thanks guys. I'll be keeping you guys updated.