Certification???

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I've been doing alot of reading, didn't sign up for class yet, got laid off and no classes near enough right now.  I've never done any welding before, not even watched over a shoulder, but like I said I've been doing a lot of research on my own.  Yesterday, I interveiwed for a job, they are considering hiring me for a welding trainee position.  They said they train and do in house certification, all mig.  I'd really like to get into class and learn gas welding first, I understand thats the right way to learn.?  Don't want to pick up any bad habits starting out.  Also since they're hurtin for certified welders, I'm conserned about the quality of training I'll recieve.  Its a start, and its a job.  Any advice for a rookie of rookies.
Reply:if there going to train you and get you certed i dont think your going to get half a$$ training i cant see a company send time and money ,not to get a good welder wen done, good luckChuckASME Pressure Vessel welder
Reply:I'm currently taking welding classes at the local community college in preparation for that day when I can tell my current employer to kiss my a$$ and work for myself (which, God willing, should happen shortly after my wife gets her MBA). I started out stick welding and have to progress through all positions with a variety of rods (through progressive semesters and classes), then on to MIG (once again, all positions), then TIG. The only OA stuff we're doing is cutting; no welding.I don't think I would sweat learning gas welding first or be concerned about the quality of training they provide. An employer who is going to provide in-house training will probably set pretty high standards so they don't have to deal with poor welding by their employees as quality-related customer complaints on down the road. Once you're trained, then it's just a matter of honing your craft.I would personally jump at it, especially considering the fact that the welding industry is hungry for well-trained, proficient welders. It's like my Dad told me when I joined the Navy and what I told my son when he joined the Marines: Take advantage of every opportunity they provide you.It sounds like you have one right there, Chief.Just 2 cents out of the $50 it takes me to fill my gas tank.Dave
Reply:I agree, I'd jump on that in a heartbeat!  You can always persue the oxy/acet welding later on. When I started welding in High School 31+ years ago we started out with oxy/acet, and then again when I took a 9 mos welding coarse at the local College. But in this day and age I don't know that it is much of a necessity. But it is nice to know, and it will help you if you decide to try TIG welding. Again I would take advantage of the opportunity to be trained in a field that is hurting for qualified welders/fabricators.
Reply:Around my area there alot of shops building racks and dumpsters for the automotive industry. They are mostly scab shops that train and do in house certification,but the certs are only good for them. I"ve a 22 year old that hangs around the garage that works for one of these shops. He can weld with the best of us but only makes $12.00 a hr. If you only want ajob to practice go for it,but if you want acareer make sure you find a company or union to grow with your needs. I know good people stuck in s#@###y situiations because they figured what they were doing would be temporary.
Reply:Thanks, I'll keep you informed.  They said they'll contact me by wedensday.  They weld huge fuel tanks, so I'm pretty sure its not just there cert.  Plus they're looking for a certified guy.  I didn't know there was a certification for welding, is it just a test or a so many hours thing?
Reply:Originally Posted by mleichtleThey weld huge fuel tanks, so I'm pretty sure its not just there cert.  Plus they're looking for a certified guy.  I didn't know there was a certification for welding, is it just a test or a so many hours thing?
Reply:Thanks for all the replies, guys.  I just got back from a third interview, so I'm confident, sort of that they'll make me an offer.  Its less money p/hr than my last job, but more money per week, cause of all the overtime.  Looking forward to my first sunburn.
Reply:Doesn't hurt to hold a certification (of which there are many different types), especially when someone else is paying for the class.   Just as an example, when I took my pipe certification, which was specified as 6G/downhand/6010 root, the class was around $600, testing and lab fees another $150. If you can have someone else line all that up for you, just keep your mouth shut and take it is my strong reccomendation. I wish you luck with the position. Work safe!!
Reply:Originally Posted by JKC9392Around my area there alot of shops building racks and dumpsters for the automotive industry. They are mostly scab shops that train and do in house certification,but the certs are only good for them.
Reply:No matter what part of the world you are from welding is about the only trade left were the proof is in the puding to an extent you could be 16 years old and been welding in the garage with your dad if you are good enough and can blag a test out with a new employer and poove your worthy you will get the job regardless of experience i did this at many stages of my welding career if i heard of a job coming up that was all 2 inch boiler tube butts i would practice them and with some help of old welders that i knew it was easy then just pick up the phone blag a bit and then go and test out dont settle for second best i have been on many test with alot of pre madonas and ****ed all over them PRACTICE makes perfect but remember there is no substitute for experience so if you cant get by on bulls**t try a nice smile
Reply:I GOT THE JOB!  I start mon. @ 5:00 am.  I'll be going to 2nd shift after my training.
Reply:congrats ChuckASME Pressure Vessel welder
Reply:Congratulations, and good luck!If you don't have the time to do it right, then you definitely don't have the time to do it over.