Certified welder can't find work

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Does anyone have advice on how to look for welding work. I am not looking for anything permanent, as I am in the pipefitters union and work will eventually pick back up. But I need to find work for those times when I am laid off for a few months at a time.  I have my L.A. City for both stick and semi auto and I live in Southern California. I just don't know where to start searching.   I have tried the internet but have not had much luck finding somewhat local work.
Reply:Every UA welder I know that wants to work is working. If you can travel, get with your BA at the hall. Do you have UA certs? I know that Bechtel, CH2MHill, and Exxon all have large projects going on. CH2MHill and Exxon both are actively recruiting UA welders to come to Alaska. There is a project in Anchorage and Ch2MHill needs welders on the North Slope.Good luck BrotherUA Local 598
Reply:http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/mnu/1701670778.htmlMM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Can't help you find work but this irritates me. Here is a good welder with certifications that can't find work. Unfortunately not that unusual.Here in Dallas, they constantly run ads for a school that teaches welding (at a CONSIDERABLE cost) they they claim that there is a shortage of welders nation wide.Their commercials give the impression that you can take their schooling and go anywhere and get GREAT pay.Apparently not the case here in Dallas. They want Certified welder for Stick, MIG and TIG for $12.00/hr. It is pay, but not GREAT pay and since I can't TIG I can't even apply (and I have no certifications either).If they said; "We will teach you to weld and you probably won't get squat for a job," it would be more accurate. There are a lot of guys spending big bucks to learn something that they may not be able to earn a living at.
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob Warner There are a lot of guys spending big bucks to learn something that they may not be able to earn a living at.
Reply:Originally Posted by CrawfordThats my biggest concern right now as a new welding student...
Reply:Jess, your best bet is to either do some freelance welding on your own, or pick up some white card work at another hall. Most places are not looking to hire welders on a temporary basis.CWI, CWE, CST for Miller, Lincoln, Thermadyne, Hypertherm & ESABMillermatic 350PLincoln Invertec 205 AC/DCVictor combo torchESAB PCM 1125
Reply:I'm a 4th yr. app. so I can't travel yet.  My BA says to find some temp work that's not in the pipe trade.That's why I'm focusing on structural or a fab shop. I just don't know how to go about looking.  My internet searches  are not pulling up very much
Reply:So far you've mentioned twice that you haven't had any luck with your searches on the internet.Have you tried maybe...ohhh....looking up any and all shops in your area and then maybe actually going there in person to see if they might have anything for you or maybe they have an idea of somone that does need some help even if they don't.Just a thought...people used to do it all the time.
Reply:For California, go to your local public library.  Ask the librarian for the reference directory, "California Manufacturing Index".  This will list all manufacturing businesses in California and what they do.  Look for business that product a metal product that might be welded and is close to your home. The directory will also list the manufacturing company officers/managers.  Call the company and ask if you could stop by to discuss welding, ask if hiring a welder, ask if need a welders, etc.  Then go from there.This is better then monster.com or craigslist.org because there are many companys that need good people that don't post jobs but like to hire by word of mouth, etc.
Reply:The thing with welding is that some area's the work is sparse and the pay as bad while other area's theres more work than welders and the pay is really good but it's work that is tough and there aren't enough experience or qualified welders to do the work.   Welding jobs in Dallas that pay $12hr to start is common enough it just depends on what the advancement pay is for passing tests.  Some of the welding jobs here in Virginia Beach area start out the same or even less but the advancements in pay for passing welding tests range from $1 - $2 hr.  Liebherr starts you off anywhere from $12.45 - $15.45 not including shift premium and you cap out at $26hr.  Northrup Gruman and BAE systems both start you out at $14hr as a welder in training and they pay for your schooling.  I looked at welding jobs in two of the best employment markets in the nation and the starting wages there for experienced welders was minimum wage.  From what I can see the best paying jobs are going to be the ones in hard to get to locations or in dangerous conditions such as the Alaskan north slope, Fort McMurray Canada, anywhere that the ice road truckers were going, Iraq green zone, certain oil and gas fields and nuclear pipe welders.
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob WarnerCan't help you find work but this irritates me. Here is a good welder with certifications that can't find work. Unfortunately not that unusual.Here in Dallas, they constantly run ads for a school that teaches welding (at a CONSIDERABLE cost) they they claim that there is a shortage of welders nation wide.Their commercials give the impression that you can take their schooling and go anywhere and get GREAT pay.Apparently not the case here in Dallas. They want Certified welder for Stick, MIG and TIG for $12.00/hr. It is pay, but not GREAT pay and since I can't TIG I can't even apply (and I have no certifications either).If they said; "We will teach you to weld and you probably won't get squat for a job," it would be more accurate. There are a lot of guys spending big bucks to learn something that they may not be able to earn a living at.
Reply:Get your CWI, that always helps and leaves you options and versibility for overseas work or contract work.
Reply:Jess92345,      It's just slow period.  By some of the comments posted make it seems like people have forgotten about the recession, it is still going on right?  Companies are in bidding wars to get what ever work there is, including the one I work for.  I myself have missed 3 months of work but recently just started going back to work and when meeting up with other fellow works there story ends up being the same.I just think we need to have some more patients for things to get better.
Reply:Hi Jess92345,It's a bit tough for everyone out there now.If your local has a lab/shop visit often and stay sharp.Machine shops that specialize in repair work, love good welders on a temp basis, better if they are looking for part time work (part time, high skill usually pays better also).If you intend to stay in your trade it doesn't feel as obligating to an employer to give you some work.Good LuckMatt
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob WarnerCan't help you find work but this irritates me. Here is a good welder with certifications that can't find work. Unfortunately not that unusual.Here in Dallas, they constantly run ads for a school that teaches welding (at a CONSIDERABLE cost) they they claim that there is a shortage of welders nation wide.Their commercials give the impression that you can take their schooling and go anywhere and get GREAT pay.Apparently not the case here in Dallas. They want Certified welder for Stick, MIG and TIG for $12.00/hr. It is pay, but not GREAT pay and since I can't TIG I can't even apply (and I have no certifications either).If they said; "We will teach you to weld and you probably won't get squat for a job," it would be more accurate. There are a lot of guys spending big bucks to learn something that they may not be able to earn a living at.
Reply:Just a few things I'll say here~1, when you go to look over a school if more than 1/4 of the students in a shop are wearing GPS locator anklets, you might be in a scam situation.  Just because Parole sends students there doesn't indicate it is a good school.2, All school intake counselors are used car salesmen getting your body in the door.  Their interest in you ends when the check clears the bank, and about all you'll learn is you got payments to make on the damn loan now.3, Spend sufficient time to determine the validity of representations made to you by anyone, be it a school, a car dealer, or potential wife.  Any of them will cost you money.4, None of this sh!t is new, schools and teachers been mistrpresenting for 50 years and they get paid by the number of bodies in the seats.  That is the only thing they care about, BODYCOUNT!5, Certified Weldor is becoming one of the top 10 whore terms.  There is a scam in the body & fender industry issuing welding certification to paint&dent heads who sit still for 2 hours.  It holds no value.PLEASE, take a few hours and learn what Certification means in the welding industry if you are in the US.  Canada is slightly different.Also be aware school ain't the real world.  The best student in welding school ain't worth 10 bucks an hour in a fab shop unless he has a broom in his hands every free minute sweeping up the floor.  Teachers LIE!Nobody gives a damn what the paper says when you come in looking for work.  Formen and owners care about what you can do and demonstrate then and there, nothing else.  You start at the bottom and earn your way up the foodchain.PLEASE post the names of those wonderful schools so google picks it up and somebody who ain't been screwed yet can see the truth!
Reply:Everyone is complaining saying there is no work here or the jobs pay $12 a hour there, etc. The work is out there. If you accept a welding job for $12 an hour YOU are messing it up for everyone. That is not enough money to pay a taco bell cashier! By accepting a wage that low you make it acceptable! I will quote my earlier post.......its like anything, you can't just expect work to fall into your lap. You have to be actively looking and dropping resumes and practicing the various tests...WORK LEADS TO WORK
Reply:Originally Posted by SR20steveEveryone is complaining saying there is no work here or the jobs pay $12 a hour there, etc. The work is out there. If you accept a welding job for $12 an hour YOU are messing it up for everyone. That is not enough money to pay a taco bell cashier! By accepting a wage that low you make it acceptable! I will quote my earlier post...
Reply:Originally Posted by SR20steveEveryone is complaining saying there is no work here or the jobs pay $12 a hour there, etc. The work is out there. If you accept a welding job for $12 an hour YOU are messing it up for everyone. That is not enough money to pay a taco bell cashier! By accepting a wage that low you make it acceptable! I will quote my earlier post...
Reply:Originally Posted by Old FartYup, hang in there with that thinking all the way.  That sort of UnionTHEENK is exactly why half of the refinery work is being done by contractors with manpower from the third world.Lets lay it on the line, half of the so called weldors on the job aren't worrth 12 bucks an hour, which is really about 22 bucks cost to the employer with insurance and equipment plus energy.You want to be worth 22 bucks an hour you have to be able to produce minimally 24 bucks an hour of income or the company folds!  That's reality.So, show up at the shop door and demand that 22 bucks an hour, and please do not stand in the way of the truck taking the weldments to the Mexican border so the product can be produced at a price that will make it saleable.  As to being unable to support the family on 12 bucks an hour, well tough sh!t, that is NOT an employer problem.  No worker regardless of trade who is not worth more per hour than his cost of employment will have a long duration on any job.  Employers are NOT charity operations.You come in the door and prove your worth, and don't plan on 3 overcompensated days of get acquainted time either.  Don't forget t show up sober and be prepared to pee in the cup.
Reply:Originally Posted by Old FartYup, hang in there with that thinking all the way.  That sort of UnionTHEENK is exactly why half of the refinery work is being done by contractors with manpower from the third world.Lets lay it on the line, half of the so called weldors on the job aren't worrth 12 bucks an hour, which is really about 22 bucks cost to the employer with insurance and equipment plus energy.You want to be worth 22 bucks an hour you have to be able to produce minimally 24 bucks an hour of income or the company folds!  That's reality.So, show up at the shop door and demand that 22 bucks an hour, and please do not stand in the way of the truck taking the weldments to the Mexican border so the product can be produced at a price that will make it saleable.  As to being unable to support the family on 12 bucks an hour, well tough sh!t, that is NOT an employer problem.  No worker regardless of trade who is not worth more per hour than his cost of employment will have a long duration on any job.  Employers are NOT charity operations.You come in the door and prove your worth, and don't plan on 3 overcompensated days of get acquainted time either.  Don't forget t show up sober and be prepared to pee in the cup.
Reply:I'm going to keep saying it till it sinks in.  Every job has a set value going out the door, and that value has to cover labor, facility, equipment,  necessary supplies, taxes and out best friend withhis hand in the pocket Mr Insurance.  If you want to make 10 bucks an hour you gotta put 20 bucks of product out the door every hour.  You want 20 you put out 40.  Your desire does not have a damn thing to do withthe employer/employee relationship.  Lets reverse the equasion for an experiment.Steve is the employer, and I'm the potential employee.  Steve has a contract to weld steel stair runners, 8 cleats on each runner, 8" chanel with 1/4 x 2 cleats.It's a relatively simple job and Steve bid 1200 units FOB strapped on pallets @ $27 per rail.Steve is only providing welding with all materials supplied by the customer, precut.How much an hour can Steve pay me to walk in and weld those pieces 8 hours a day 5 days a week presuming he knows my work because I've worked for him before?  Second question, same job and work situation, what can Steve offer Speedfreak to do the same job?Lets also factor inthat Steve is not a Union employer, and has a sufficiency of machines to do the job, and that all of the machines are paid for, and Steve owns the building, and it is completely paid off.  Lets even specify electricity to run a machine, lighting, exhaust system and the Coke cooler and coffee pot cost Steve $2.00 an hour.  Steve doesn't even offer benefits beyond State Required Unemployment and Workmans Comp.
Reply:Still looking for work?I'm a welding engineer in the Los angeles area, and our welding operations are drowning in work.  We do production Aerospace work which means 100% Xray all joints. 90% hand GTAW  with some automatic GTAW, automatic GMAW and EB welding machines.If you can GTAW and are in the LA area give me a pm and if I get a resume I can put in the word for an interview.we're so busy they even have me putting on my hood and running production welds...Welding EngineerCertified Scrap Producer
Reply:Originally Posted by MetarinkaStill looking for work?I'm a welding engineer in the Los angeles area, and our welding operations are drowning in work.  we're so busy they even have me putting on my hood and running production welds...[QUOTE=Old Fart;387173]I'm going to keep saying it till it sinks in.  Every job has a set value going out the door, and that value has to cover labor, facility, equipment,  necessary supplies, taxes and out best friend withhis hand in the pocket Mr Insurance.  +1 Old FartEverything is a commodity. The buyer can skew the price vs quality somewhat and the seller can also to some extent.What makes us different (used to anyway) is no one drags you to the market and makes you buy, trade or sell by force.Matt