I have a question.

admin

I'm 22 and have been mig and flux core welding for 6 years now I worked for my dad at a fab shop he owned, we mainly built car haulers for tractor trailers but we also did little stuff like build race car frames and stuff like that.  My question is how can I get my foot in the door with going on the road and welding? I've looked around and seen some jobs that I would like to pursue but I can't really bring myself to travel 500 miles and fail a welding test.  It's not that I don't have confidence in my abilities I've just never had to take a welding test.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Reply:Hi and welcome!  I you want to hit the road, try a trade union apprenticeship.  I went through an apprenticeship with the Boilermakers, it took 4 years and I got to see a lot of different places while earning some good coin to boot.  Welding boiler tubes is a great skill to earn with!  During an apprenticeship weld tests are not generally make or break (where you don't get the job if you fail), its all part of the learning experience.  I got to warn you though, the road grind gets old!  I started at 21 and got out at 31 but gained a wealth of knowledge along the way, the old hands will bend over backwards to show a new apprentice all the old tricks that were passed down to them.  I hope this helps you, good luck!  By the way, your welding experience will help you to get into one of these programs.- If you can jump across it you can weld it!  - anonymous old boilermaker
Reply:That's another thing the only welding apprentice program in Arkansas is on the other side of the state.  What can I do since that's the case?
Reply:Originally Posted by millerman03That's another thing the only welding apprentice program in Arkansas is on the other side of the state.  What can I do since that's the case?
Reply:Originally Posted by millerman03That's another thing the only welding apprentice program in Arkansas is on the other side of the state.  What can I do since that's the case?
Reply:What are some other unions?
Reply:There is a Steelworkers Union in Texarkana and that's at the bottom of the state. And not to sound like a pud but my wife would throw a crazy fit if I drove off somewhere and didn't get paid to do it, she doesn't understand what you have to do sometimes not to make excuses but I hate hearing about it.