Before investing a ton of money in equipment you may not need, check out the situation to make sure you can get a job welding pipe. Not to be negative, but a "certification" from a school and no experience means you'll be at the bottom of the "will call" list.
I don't know your back ground or whether you have previous experience or know someone that already works in the pipeline industry. So, what I have to offer is advice based on you having no experience and only classroom training. You might consider applying for a job with several local mechanical contractors or consider applying for an apprenticeship with the UA. There is more to welding than simply running a few weld beads in the practice booth. Once you have some experience, people are more likely to be interested in taking a chance by putting you on the payroll. In short, "we all have to pay our dues to get to our destination." Sometimes the road we take has some twists and turns in it.
If you are not yet a member, join the AWS and attend the meetings with your local section. You will meet the people in your area that take welding seriously and they are the movers and the shakers in your local industry. Most sections hold technical sessions, educational seminars, and just get together to socialize. They have one thing in common; welding. You need to network. Don't go to one meeting and get discouraged because you were not offered a job. People need to get to know you and to learn your capabilities. Most job offers come from people that know you or got your name from someone they know.
You can also consider looking through the job postings available on AWS' website.
All my jobs have been through word of mouth. It takes time to establish the network, but it is well worth the time and effort. You might even learn a thing or two by attending the AWS meetings. If nothing else, you'll meet some interesting people that share a common interest. Be an active participant. Ask to be a part of the section's executive board. Most sections are very happy to have someone volunteer to help.
Good luck - Al
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