Not welding at my job, am I crazy?

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I work as a "welder" at an aerospace manufacturing company, It's my second job and I am 18. The reason I put welder in quotes is because I don't get to weld things. I have over 25 welding certifications ranging from D1.1 carbon steel 3/8" groove up to 4G, GTAW up to 4G, stainless and carbon steel, FCAW on carbon steel and stainless up to 4G, 3/8" groove. GTAW to 17.1 and ASME section IX on inconel, hastelloy x, Haynes 188, stainless steel, chro-moly down to .020 and up to unlimited thickness, 1G, 2G, 3G. SMAW 6G on schedule 80 carbon steel pipe to D1.1. So, my question is am I crazy? I think I should be under the hood, but I spend 10 hours a day wiping metal with acetone most days, or fusion welding little tabs onto cones for seam welding. Now this "paying your dues" thing is really getting to me, when welding and not welding is the difference between enjoying my job, and currently not. When I am certified to weld, and told I'm not able to. To be a "Journeyman" I have to pass multiple 6G tests on schedule 40 inconel and chro-moly pipe. I have asked to take the test and was told I am not ready. I cut and and preped a piece of schedule 40 304 pipe, welded it 6G, Looked perfect, cut it, looked at the penetration, etched the weld and showed it to my boss, to which he responded, looks good, keep practicing. If I quit, it would be mean I would have worked at my current job for only 2 months, and my last 3 months. Advice?Last edited by gweah; 12-24-2014 at 12:08 PM.
Reply:It isn't a fair world by any means. Your age is going to keep you restricted for awhile even though you may demonstrate that your the world's foremost welder. Sorry, but it is a fact of life.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:Sounds like you are one of the most qualified 18 year old welders around but you have not been able to stick around 1 place for long.  Just be patient.
Reply:Spend a year showing them a good work ethic and quality practice welds when time allows and thank your lucky stars you aren't in a classroom racking up $100,000 in loan debt. You have a solid future if you can get through the trials of the workplace.My stepson is working nights straightening frames on totes for $10/hr at 21 years old. My dad got him in the crain operators union 2 years ago and he only lasted 1 year at $20+/hr because he thought he should be in charge...GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Don't feel bad all I did for 2 years was clean stuff and tack stuff.THAT WAS IT.However a good attitude and a CLOSED mouth goes a long way.Been there done that and it's nothing at all new....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Stick it out for the long run bud.  Keeping a positive and humble attitude will take you farther in this situation than any other.  Patience is a skill set in and of itself.
Reply:What eveyone else said. The way they are looking at you at work is, you have schooling, no experience. Head straight and ride it out bud.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:patience... just ride it out.... sounds like the same thing every newbie goes thru.... like the others said eyes are on you to see how you handle things.... watch the others. take mental notes on what they do... your chance will come
Reply:Dude, honestly id shut the f*** up and just do as ur told for at least the next year.  Time goes by so quickly, its awesome that u have so many certifications, how did u get those by the way. At school? Or ur first job?  After u have spent a year at this place then ask for a welding position or a pay raise. I agree with the first post that ur age is what will hold u back. Just dont kill yourself, and dont do any drugs in the next few years, save all the cash u can, and ul be set in 2-3 years time.  Ps: my rule for my self is For at least the first 3 months at any job shut up and just do as your told no matter how much u disagree with something, then after that, u should be able to give input/advice to help ur employer grow. Also, always keep ur eyes open for new job opporunities. Network as much as u can.Dynasty 200DX   (2014)Millermatic 211 (2015)Optrel 864   (2014)Smith Medium duty MBA 30510 (Xmas 2014)Tennsmith 16ga 4ft finger brake (2015)Trailblazer 325 EFI and excel Thermal dynamics Cutmaster 82Miller maxtron 450
Reply:Id work and search for new jobs. But keep working hard, you learn things every day. Sometimes you can land a really good job just by chance
Reply:You got to work your way up. Do you honestly expect the guys who are there to do the shlt work so you can live your dream. Not gonna happen. I'm sure the welders there started out the same way. Making a few test welds is not experience, the only way to get that is hands on. There's a lot more to the whole gig than running a bead, a robot can do that.
Reply:Where's R. Lee Earmy when he is needed the most.
Reply:ride it out. Same thing happened to me. Stick around get some experience and you will make the transition. attitude and work ethic go a long ways. and can make or break you! You haven't even been there that long, sounds like you are  in a good spot to learn some valuable stuff?- Christian M.C3 Welding & Fabrication - CNC Plasma Cutting-Mobile Welding-Custom welding and fabwww.c3welding.com
Reply:I'm with most here.  Stick it out.  Short-term history with employers is a red flag when I was hiring.  Suggests you were not a good fit, had personality conflicts with supervisors, or weren't a good worker.Just because you are a certified welder doesn't mean you know enough to make the company money.If the company can offer scrap metal, and welding supplies, especially GAS, I would be practicing my cert's every chance I got, even if it meant staying late, or coming in before shift.  If there was a product that was completed and rejected by QC, I would ask to practice on that part within my certification.  That'll get you accustomed to odd angles, real life products.Lincoln 255 XT Power MIGLincoln Precision TIG 375Hypertherm PowerMax 1000 G3+ Full Machine Shop
Reply:patience young grasshopper. patience.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:another thing, bosses supervisors and co workers do not want to hear about how many certs, how great a welder you are etc etc… the time will come and you will be able to show your skill. You might blow it out of the water and knock their socks off. Or you might fail miserably, your attitude prior to that will dictate what happens next. Hang in there- Christian M.C3 Welding & Fabrication - CNC Plasma Cutting-Mobile Welding-Custom welding and fabwww.c3welding.com
Reply:I've pretty much accepted for my resume's sake at minimum I should stay one year. I just keep practicing on all my breaks and lunch and challenging my welding skills, and keep doing what I'm doing. I've had offers from other companies that paid 8 dollars an hour more, and declined it. It's still frustrating day to day, but whatever I still get paid. I've considered just getting into pipe for more money a few years in the future, because the standards that I am held to are crazy, I won't even go into it. pipe pays better and is more simple.
Reply:Originally Posted by gweahI've pretty much accepted for my resume's sake at minimum I should stay one year. I just keep practicing on all my breaks and lunch and challenging my welding skills, and keep doing what I'm doing. I've had offers from other companies that paid 8 dollars an hour more, and declined it. It's still frustrating day to day, but whatever I still get paid. I've considered just getting into pipe for more money a few years in the future, because the standards that I am held to are crazy, I won't even go into it. pipe pays better and is more simple.
Reply:You're going thru a type of apprenticeship deal. 18 years old, it probably won't be much different wherever you go. Stick it out, those alloys will come in handy in the future.
Reply:Wow 18! That's almost half as old as my moustache. The point is be patient. Your weld certs look good on a resume but the proof is in the pudding. As a 50+ year old self employed person I am the FNG at every job and I get to make my bones and earn my spurs at every job. Do the best job you can at all that you do, listen and learn from the old hands, and when a little extra needs done make sure that you are either doing it or at least helping out. You'll be surprised at how fast doors will open for you. Hope this helps.
Reply:The 'plus' about this job is that you can keep practicing on site.  Give it a year but learn your 2g's and 5g's with different gaps and 'through the tube'.
Reply:Quit. Get your own shop.
Reply:You're 18 and haven't been made Chairman of the Board yet? E-I-G-H-T-E-E-N?? Sit down, shut up, open your ears and learn.
Reply:The first six months you are still learning how to do your own job, and the who's are where's of everything. You strategy to become useful after a year, and, if found reliable, start becoming part of the team in 3-5 years. Then you start to gain real responsibility, and the good work with the new guy as a helper. So long as the pay is good, stick it out, and always be ready to volunteer for for the tough jobs, etc.
Reply:Quit. Get your own shop.Its called work not happy go lucky fun times.  You're not always going to get to do what you want.  When I first got into welding I didn't weld much either.  Spent most of my time threading pipe.  As an employee you are nothing more than one of the companies stiff ***** so go where you are shoved !  If your employer is willing to let you practice on your time and use their materials use it to your advantage !Show you are a hard worker who doesn't complain much, and you will move up fast, complain and whine and they will probably dump you out the door !Journeyman / Red Seal Welder (What a useless test)Miller CST 280Miller XMT 350Miller 12vs XtremeEvolution Evo 28 mag drillEvolution 380 Dry Cut saw
Reply:Originally Posted by Bosco99Quit. Get your own shop.
Reply:Edit ......Last edited by Bosco99; 12-24-2014 at 09:33 PM.
Reply:Man, I fought this battle up hill for 10 years.  Welders, for the most part, are a bunch of ignorant self righteous pricks.  If they see an exceptional young man who is self motivated, they will hold you down beneath them as long as they can. If indeed you are as much as a bad a mother ****er as you think you are, you will be running their operations soon. Its not inevitable, however, and it takes dedication. You can't be on point most of the time, you have to nail it every day.  Do everything well, never take a short cut, miss a mark. The mid-career guys will never let it go if you do, they will use it to hold you down.  Find a old guy, late career, somebody who will take pride in making you a stellar(pun) craftsmen. He will not be threatened by you, he will take pride in your accomplishments, he will advocate for you.  This will not last that long, but you may have to leave to accomplish what you want. I left a place because they said they could not pay me top pay based on my age, despite the fact I was out producing the top fabricator 20%, I loved that place. Dont take that ****, dont let anyone walk over you, if you got skills, you got work.  Just remember, you work for money, so get paid and be respectful. There is allot more to this than making a weld.Constant Current Weldor.
Reply:You have a job in a pretty secure industry, every country needs jet engines. Unless some one is paying you piles of money, stay and pay your dues. You'll be surprised what you'll learn working in a shop setting with experienced welders that will help you figure out what kind of things you want to do in your career. Just remember what you are going thru right now when you become a journeyman, some greenhorn will come along just like you and you can help them by lending an ear for them talk to or a hand up to get them started. We all learned our craft because someone took the time to help us in the beginning.  Be that guy.
Reply:You have a job working in the aircraft industry. Some welders would die for that opportunity. Nice clean shop, mostly TIG welding and of the highest quality. No room for shoddy work. You don't pass a test and become a journeyman welder. You have to go through an apprenticeship with formal training and testing for a few years in order to become a journeyman. A lot of the welding where you work will require a licensed journeyman to weld it no matter how good you think you are. Consider that a lot of first year apprentice's will be man handling a 7" grinder for hours on end or doing all the grunt work in the shop. Try to find one of the senior welders that's easy to talk to and spend as much time watching/working with him as you can. Ask questions but DON'T try to tell him how to do his job. If the company values him and he puts in a good word for you will be a huge benefit. Try to get along with everyone and be happy to help out where needed.
Reply:Man, there is a LOT of great advice in this thread. If your smart you will follow it. I have always went into a job wanting to learn and just do what I'm told, with a smile, (sometimes). It has ALWAYS worked out in the long run to my benefit. Good luck with your future. You have a great opportunity on hand it seems.Quality work is never Cheap, and Cheap work is never Quality!!If it's broke, and you're not, we can fix it!!  Lincoln Idealarc sp200Century 230amp ac/dcSmith O/A TorchesHuth Hyd. Pipe Benderother misc "cool" tools
Reply:Always look busy.  View that no job is beneath you.  If you see the trash is full, empty it.  If an area is dirty, sweep, clean it up.  Same with bathroom etc.    Keep this philosophy even if you become the owner or CEO.  If you have the free time do it yourself instead of delegating it to someone below you.   It sets a great example.  Can you picture welding away and seeing the boss seeping up around the welding stations in his down time or grabbing a torch and helping catch up on a being schedule job?Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:For a little perspective, a quote from the OP in July of this year...  Originally Posted by gweahI'm sure plenty of people have posted this, but here goes. 18 years old, and I live in the San Diego area. I have completed the local ROP program in welding, metal design and fabrication, with papers stating all tools and processes that were covered in the class. I have 7 AWS certifications in GTAW and GMAW. I'm applying for welding jobs, and haven't gotten a single call. All of them require multiple years of professional experience. Have I done something wrong here? I feel like I've wasted my time trying to become a welder.
Reply:Youth is wasted on the young, This kid has it so good plus a headstart ! Lucky guy I couldn't weld every day for a living but I hope the op sticks to it and I am sure one day when he is needed the boss will put him to work.
Reply:You're 18, wait till you have a few years under your belt before complaining. My first job out of college I was a gofer, did that for a year. I was a fresh new Licensed Architect, and the fookin new guy. Its just how it is. Man up to it. Learn.
Reply:You might have all the tickets but that doesn't mean you're any good. I see kids quit all the time because they're not getting the jobs they want. You have to stick at it and prove you want to be there. Do the **** jobs with the utmost care and quality and economically and I'd bet my left nut they'll start getting you onto the better stuff.
Reply:I've pretty much accepted for my resume's sake at minimum I should stay one year.
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961won't hire anyone who doesn't have a track record with some stability. Too many jobs of a short duration or gaps in employment spell trouble.
Reply:Yeah but the OP is not in construction, he is in aerospace manufacturing. Plus with some construction jobs you can show longevity by being in the same union. My brother was IBEW in Tempe, AZ for years, despite the fact he worked on dozens of different construction sites.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Yeah but the OP is not in construction, he is in aerospace manufacturing. Plus with some construction jobs you can show longevity by being in the same union. My brother was IBEW in Tempe, AZ for years, despite the fact he worked on dozens of different construction sites.
Reply:But when you work union jobs, the union is more or less your employer. my little brother got his benefits and health insurance from the union.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961But when you work union jobs, the union is more or less your employer. my little brother got his benefits and health insurance from the union.
Reply:at my present job the union negotiates for me but my pension will come from the municipal retirement fund. it's also the first job i had that has paid sick leave.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:You can go a lot of places with an IBEW recognized journey card and find work.
Reply:My advice! Chill out!!! So what if you are not welding. I would assume you are getting a paycheck every week. So, relax! The company did no hire you to enjoy your job. They hired you to work. They may be trying you out to see if you will do what they need you to do. Or, to see if you will get aggravated and quit because you don't want to do what they need you to do!Hang in there! You are young and have plenty of time to move up and start welding if that is what you want to do. I hired on with the company I currently work for as a welder. Then they assigned me to "Final Assembly". I got to fix everybody else screwups before the product went out the door.It turned out to be good for me. Now I am one of the top guns in the plant. We build petroleum tankers and I know more than most of the bosses. If you want to weld-just be patient-your time will come. Keep your eyes open and learn all you can. Don't rush things. As long as you get a paycheck-you are doing good!
Reply:You can always transition to Architecture...."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:If your really as good as you think you are,(AND YOU JUST MIGHT BE) dont waste your time and skills working for someone else. The only way to advance as fast and as far as you want is to go out on your own and be your own boss.If you want to get ahead working for the man ,it takes hard work , skill ,luck and most of all making sure the man likes you. I worked for two months at Boeing, St louis,Mo and was fasinated allmost every day seeing the way things work. Be patient and learn all that you can ,good luck. Edwin
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterHowever a good attitude and a CLOSED mouth goes a long way.
Reply:Originally Posted by gweah...