Job search help

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I’m currently taking a 5 month welding course at a local college, and will soon be looking for a job. The class comes with a welding certification and I need to know in advance where I’m going to be working so I know what kind of certification I need. Where should I begin my job search? I wouldn’t rule out traveling. What I’d really like to do, is find a seasonal job where I’m working aprox. 9 months a year and am off 3 months or so in the winter to pursue another interest of mine. Is this a reasonable goal? What kind of jobs should I look into that may offer a work schedule like this? Any info would be much appreciated. I just started the 5 month course, so I still have a little time to figure it out. I have no prior welding experience, so this is all new to me. Thanks for any help you can provide. Adam AinleyLast edited by Missourian; 08-17-2006 at 12:55 PM.
Reply:Depends on what type of welding you're learning. Most of the road hands I know go from shutdown to shutdown - power plants to paper mills - and such as that. They routinely do seasonal work. Stick pipe welders mostly, some mig welders, some tig welders. Gotta enjoy road work and living out of a suitcase. Usually not bad work for a single guy, for awhile.Good luck.WeldtekWeldtek
Reply:If your college takes in people upgrading or testing for tickets it would be a good idea to talk to them.  They would give you a good handle on what is available.  Don't expect to walk into your dream job fresh out of school.  Apart from actual welding it is useful to know how to operate an ironworker, shear , press brake. forklift, and overhead crane just for starters.  Also a first aid ticket often will get you in ahead of old hands bypassing seniority lists.  You also could try dropping by the local union offices.