Possible Career in Welding?

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So in the fall, I'm going to go back to school for a trade. I either want to go for auto mechanics or welding. I am a little more interested in mechanics, but the majority of mechanics I know tell me not to, and to go into welding because it's a field that hires more and has better pay. The only welding jobs I hear about around here are either union jobs or auto body welding, the auto body guys do not have steady work nor do they get paid good. I'm looking to go with whatever has a steadier range of work, and which could be a successful career. Since this is a welding forum, I'd like to hear about some opinions. (By the way, I have done a bit of stick and mig in high school, so it's not completely new to me)
Reply:I know there are lots of welding jobs in particular regions of the country, e.g. southern Louisiana has lots of welding jobs.  Are you available to move elsewhere to follow the jobs?  Where are you located now? (hint, most folks include their location on their profile, takes about 30 seconds, click "your profile" above / right., click about me tab, then click on the 'location' edit pencil thingy) Zip.Last edited by zipzit; 05-30-2013 at 12:03 PM.
Reply:I'm about an hour south of the city of Chicago. Not available to move at the moment.
Reply:Well, if you like mechanical work and welding, consider a career in heavy equipment repair. Lots of variety in that line of work, if you get a job with the right company. Engine work, hydraulics, electrical, line boring and welding. Shop work, field work or self employment.
Reply:Originally Posted by machavisWell, if you like mechanical work and welding, consider a career in heavy equipment repair. Lots of variety in that line of work, if you get a job with the right company. Engine work, hydraulics, electrical, line boring and welding. Shop work, field work or self employment.
Reply:Contact local dealers about apprentice programs. Our local CAT dealer has one.
Reply:I also have links for the welding programs and auto programs that I'm looking into, if anyone would want to see them and check them out.
Reply:Originally Posted by machavisContact local dealers about apprentice programs. Our local CAT dealer has one.
Reply:I am currently enrolled at a school here in Dallas.  Around here it seems that you can get a job welding for anywhere between $12-50 an hour, depending on type of welding and company.  As some have said, it is location based.  Talked to a guy the other day that was working in Iraq and he was paying welders 25 grand a month.  I don't like unions but I do believe they have good training programs.  My dad is on the IBEW training trust as a company rep.  I hear Cat is hiring like crazy.  I believe you should ask yourself how much you would enjoy it.  I am enjoying it a lot and I am only welding 6 in coupons.  I was named student of the semester for the program and my instructor continues to tell me I will have a great career. A lot of what ifs and so forth, but I know it is the career for myself.  I even told my wife how much I am missing school.  Maybe you could put a post on here and find a member in your area to give you a tour of their shop and some demos.  Either way, good luck and if you end up in Texas, I'll buy you a dr pepper.
Reply:If you learn how to weld pipe you'll always be working. If you weld just carbon steel you can make 25$/100 pd a day right now. Your gonna have to go to a trade school.  ( I suggest Missouri Welding Institute)
Reply:Originally Posted by MidwestGuySo in the fall, I'm going to go back to school for a trade. I either want to go for auto mechanics or welding. I am a little more interested in mechanics, but the majority of mechanics I know tell me not to, and to go into welding because it's a field that hires more and has better pay. The only welding jobs I hear about around here are either union jobs or auto body welding, the auto body guys do not have steady work nor do they get paid good. I'm looking to go with whatever has a steadier range of work, and which could be a successful career. Since this is a welding forum, I'd like to hear about some opinions. (By the way, I have done a bit of stick and mig in high school, so it's not completely new to me)
Reply:Hello MidwestGuy, I'd like to give you one perspective that hasn't been included here. My dad was an auto mechanic all of his life and I seriously considered going that route. As it was, I ended up in school for welding and after graduation, oddly enough, ended up going to work as a mechanic/welder for a farm equipment dealer for almost 5 years before going completely to welding/fabrication. I am glad that I got away from the mechanic trade due to the results that come to be in the later years. I am referring to working as a mechanic and when you get closer to retirement shops are very reluctant to invest upgrade training that is required of mechanical technicians these days, the return on the dollar has a limited payback(time wise) in their eyes. For welders/fabricators the scenario is typically different. Shops tend to be more appreciative of an individuals experience/skills, work ethic, and many other things that "older" individuals bring to the table. Providing that an individual can still produce, pass welding certifications, and do accurate fitting work in a timely amount of time that is what really matters to them. Just my $.02 to add to this discussion. Good luck and best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:The only problem that I see is there are not very welding jobs around here. The only welding jobs are if you join the pipe fitters union.
Reply:Sorry for not being on and replying for awhile. Here are the two classes/certifications that I'm considering. http://www.morainevalley.edu/program...532_course.htm^This goes over basic stick, then tig, mig and brazing. Seems good because you get the full monty of things. http://www.morainevalley.edu/program...529_course.htm^ This is strictly stick and also goes over cutting.What is the better certificate to go for?Also I'm considering on going into auto mechanics instead of welding, but just looking for opinions and knowledge on the subject.
Reply:I would do the first one. Then study to be an auto mechanic. The mig/tig/gas background will help you as a mechanic. I would not do stick unless you dedicate yourself to become a structural/pipe weldor. Myself I took the full monty of gas/arc/advance arc/mig/tig. As well as blueprint reading, drafting, technical math, metallurgy, machine shop, metal-craft, cnc programing, accounting, ect. Auto mechanics got it easy. I would concentrate on auto electric and environmental systems that can crossover to building maintenance. Electrical technicians will do well in the future.Good luck with your decision.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Midwest:If you want to do heavy mechanics try the local John Deere dealership for their tech training program.  Rather similar to the CAT program.  The dealership hires the tech and puts him through an in house training period (kind of feel you out to see if you have the aptitude for the work) then send you to a technical college for an associates degree program (includes math, language, and the other typical college stuff).  During the college years you will return for internships at your sponsoring dealership where the students actually get hands on experience.  After graduation you will work for the sponsoring dealership for a set length of time or be required to repay them for the training.  I may be incorrect on some of the details but I do know a couple of young guys around here doing the JD training.  I believe IHC/Case has a similar program and possibly New Holland/Ford.  Also check AGCO/Case if you have a dealership in your area.  Kenworth has a strong training program in the larger dealerships.  Probably the other truck manufacturers as well.A lot of electronics, math, and even some computer programming as EVERYTHING is going to electric/digital controls.  It's hot in the summer, cold and wet in the winter and will grind you into the dirt.  Not to mention those days when you are freezing your back side off and roasting your flesh, reaching into a hot engine compartment, with melted road slush running down your leg and filling your shoes.  Sounds like fun, huh?  Basically I made more money slinging wrenches than any of my high school friends who went to college.  I wrenched for many years and could travel as I desired because as a certified tech I could always find work.  I escaped that and went into more and more specialized work which ended up with me back in school and a BA in Mechanical Engineering with a specialty in Aircraft Systems.  Either trade will take you as far as you want to go.  Both, will make you a good living if you apply yourself.As for Auto Mechanics do the due diligence on the school of choice and ask around the shops for their opinions.  Many of the for profit schools just separate the students from their loan money and don't teach much.  Unfortunately the same can be said for public schools, but there are a few good programs available at some schools.  Check to see if the program is affiliated with the manufacturers and/or dealerships.  If it is a community college program, is it an Associate (2 year) or Bachelor (4 year) program?  That would imply a degree that you can add to later in life and career.Lot's to think about!  Good Luck!RogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches
Reply:Thank you for all the helpful information guys! As far as Welding or Auto Mechanics, I'd like to stick to one trade. I'd rather be a master tradesman at one, rather then a jack of all trades. I've heard there are far better careers in stick welding then mig/tig, but I'm not sure if this is true. I wouldn't mind eventually being a pipe welder or a structural welder. It's a career, I wouldn't mind calling my own. It seems that with mig, it's lower paying, not as steady body shop careers.As for auto mechanics, here is the program I'm looking to start with.http://www.morainevalley.edu/program...461_course.htmBrake/alignment/suspension are some of the busiest jobs so I can always build from there. The big decision is whether to go into which field. Which field is more steady and can be a career.
Reply:look at being a Air Frame and Power Plant mechanic
Reply:Originally Posted by KevinL90look at being a Air Frame and Power Plant mechanic
Reply:Rog02, what would be, in your opinion, the better route to go? Auto mechanics or welding? As far as welding, would stick be the better way to go instead of mig/tig?
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonAuto mechanics got it easy. I would concentrate on auto electric and environmental systems that can crossover to building maintenance. Electrical technicians will do well in the future.Good luck with your decision.
Reply:Originally Posted by Donoharmas always best advice .I would go auto mechanic and specialization in electrical systems and can-bus troubleshooting/programing  software , with this you will always have work the, pay can be better then welding in some cases and you don't get your hands dirty.
Reply:What we are saying is that there is a huge difference between a grease monkey and systems diagnostician. A diagnostician scans codes, troubleshoots emission controls, performs temperature routines and so forth. These skills crossover to all forms of transportation, building and maintanance, appliance and equipment repair.  Alarm and security companies are recruiting from the automotive field. They are offering some huge money.Some skills and knowledge of welding is desirable and handy. Automotive systems background is helpful if you decice toe go int welding as well.Last edited by shovelon; 06-27-2013 at 08:53 AM.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonWhat we are saying is that there is a huge difference between a grease monkey and systems diagnostician.
Reply:Originally Posted by Rog02I am an A&P with an IA tagged on, with more pilot ratings, both fixed and rotary, than I need.  I would be very careful about the A&P route unless you are content to be an "Airport Bum".  The pay really isn't that great for mechanics, unless you can get into a major air carriers O/H facility and the job security is not what it once was.Well since im an ex-mechanic and graduate of a vocational school I'll give my 2 cents.  Being a mechanic can be enjoyable work, but you have to absolutely love the trade and be willing to invest alot of money before turning it into any real career.  For me, wrenching everyday ruined the fun factor of working on car and don't forget FLAT RATE PAY.  Flat rate is a bitch when theres no work, but independent shops are doing well especially for a poor economy.  I think it's a toss up decision really.  If you become a welder in say manufacturing you may be paid better but theres always lay offs.  Mechanics don't always have the best salary but are always employed.
Reply:Originally Posted by KevinL90He doesn't necessarily have to be a Airplane Mechanic.  You learn a Few trades in one. He would be well qualified to a Maintenance Mechanic at say UPS or other Factory type places.
Reply:Thank you for all the helpful replys, all are appreciated. Ya'll are making me see it as a toss up, and I'm having a hard time deciding. I love to work with my hands and both of these are careers I can enjoy. This is pretty difficult. I've been debating this for awhile and I'm hoping someone can sway me a certain direction!
Reply:Originally Posted by MidwestGuyThank you for all the helpful replys, all are appreciated. Ya'll are making me see it as a toss up, and I'm having a hard time deciding. I love to work with my hands and both of these are careers I can enjoy. This is pretty difficult. I've been debating this for awhile and I'm hoping someone can sway me a certain direction!
Reply:You have almost any skilled trade you can think of in the military. As an airframe mechanic I learned a **** load of mechanical skills that carry over into welding/fab work.
Reply:As far as the Welding route, I'd want to go the construction/structural route.
Reply:Originally Posted by MidwestGuyAs far as the Welding route, I'd want to go the construction/structural route.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonIf that is so add pipe. And some yoga classes.
Reply:Also what are the different careers in the welding field and what are the more profitable welding careers?
Reply:you sound more interested in the money then welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by KevinL90you sound more interested in the money then welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by MidwestGuyAt the school I want to go to, you have to get a welding cert before you can go to pipe welding. Pipe is considered an advanced class.
Reply:I'll have to check that route out then.