felonies?

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I am considering geting into welding and am wondering if my history will prevent me from getting a job. I have several felonies, and have been to prison twice. Just about everywhere I turn, I hit a big NO. Truck driving, electricians union in GA are big NO's.I know, I put myself here. I just would like to get some real world input to see if its something I could find work in.
Reply:Good friend of mine that I met while working in job shops came all the way to CT from Colton, CA. He did time for murder and learned welding in the penn. He was a great welder but came east to get away from his old friends and start new. He did great for about 5 yrs. Sad thing is he found new friends and got back to the gang thing and Heroin.  Long story short , tradgecially he wound up with Hepatitus C and died at age 40. He was a good guy sober but just couldn't shake the monkey off his back. He was also a Viet Nam Vet. His past didn't seem to hinder him at work, but his own bad habits did him in. Concentrate on your skills and leave the past in the past and you can do it. Funny thing is when I worked construction I came across some rough characters, many who did time, Joke was we were all gypsies and criminals for some of the things we did on one hand, and on the other some of the most honorable men i have known. Sounds strange I know."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:About the only way I see it could prevent you from getting a job would be working on government  contract, certain secure jobs, or of course the person not liking ex cons. But for most welding jobs I do not see it preventing you from working welding.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Job shops are a great place, most of them even joke that you must be a felon I am ashamed to admit that I have a felony from 6 years ago and the only place it has hurt me was working on any millitary bases. Other than that just be honest with the owners of places and go from there. Good luck. I also know VA only goes back 7 years on CH.
Reply:kolot, sorry to hear about your friend. I have met people like that. My issue isnt really drugs, well it is but its all related to growing and selling weed. I dont smoke it, and have never sold, or touched anything else. I also got into some gang stuff as a teen so I have some violent charges from then, and a child abuse from 2004. The CA charge was just stupid, long story.I am going to contact the Union and their Jatt program Monday
Reply:I'm not a union guy but if they'll take you in that might be the equallizer that you need. I wish you well in you attempt to get your life back on track.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:When I was running the crew at a roofing shop, the going joke was: "The best roofers and weldors are all felons." It's not saying those jobs make criminals of people; it is a reflection that they are both hard jobs, and draw hardened people. We used to work WITH the dept. of parole and probation; we would hire non-violent felons often to give them a chance at a new start. We found more than a few guys a home in the shop. Be straight up with your P.O., and ask for a little help in looking, or some kind of reference. If you are clean, and keep a very good attitude with your P.O., they will at the least take a call from a potential employer, and talk a bit about you on your behalf. But...DON'T SCREW them! If you get a job with their help, and it sucks...stick it out and prove to your P.O. that you are working, first and foremost to make good. If you flake on them, they WILL make your life a drag. If you tough it out, they will continue to work with you.Good luck; Paul.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Plenty of cons running around a lot of the power jobs.  As long as you can weld/fit and come up clean on the visit to the little white trailer, it's not that hard.
Reply:weldingforme said"I have some violent charges from then, and a child abuse from 2004. The CA charge was just stupid, long story."I have to go with what rojodiablo said ,your best bet is to work with your parole board.I dont know about stateside but up here the ca charge is a Giant problem with violence running a close second.If the charge was stupid you should talk to a lawyer and try to have it stricken from your record,this can be done under certain circumstances.Sorry i couldnt be more helpfulFelonCaution lurker lives here" hmmm That is serious,pass the ganja and pick up a  24 of MGD"
Reply:Yes, your past will follow you everywhere you go....Many of the larger companies will not allow anyone with a checkerd past to work. I know people who have been let go for simply getting a DUI.With that said, there should be plenty of opportunities for you in smaller budget projects. And, if you can ebcome a good welder?  You'll be as good as gold.....Good Luck.