My name is Michael Barrentine and im 23 yrs old. I live in Bentonville, Arkansas. I have had and have some major financial problems and I want to make something of myself, but im very discouraged do to having to live with my family that has no money and not being able to afford schooling. I went to culinary school before for about 9 months then was forced to drop out due to funds. I moved to Arkansas about a month ago from Tampa, Florida and there I had 3 friends that did welding. One did steel, one did aluminum and the other was a pipe welder.
I would love to goto California to weld and live. Would you happen to know of any union jobs or anything that would perhaps do on job training or maybe a company that would put me in school and in return sign a examount of years contract with the company?
I just dont know what to do, and thought maybe you can point me in the right direction for this.
I am an instructor at a community college. Several of my students get financial asistance to go to school. Some get student loans, some get grants that dont need to be repayed. Stop by a local community college and talk with the financial aid people. You might be surprised at all the help that is available. This would be an excellent start to get into the trade. Anything you can learn in school makes you a better candidate for getting into the apprenticeship programs.
In addition- some high schools that offer welding during the day may have some evening classes. Before you jump into a career you probably should find out if you like it. It isn't for everyone, and thank god for that!
I am from Tampa as well, so I am not familiar with that part of the world. But if it were I, I would consider some of the following options: Boiler makers, plumber pipe fitter, iron workers or sheet metal unions. Grab the local yellows and look up labor organizations, I think you'll find out if they are in your area.
And while I know this is typically a no no topic... have you considered the military? If you could get in as a welder you will spend a fair amount of time in training, and that would be from some of the best in the world! Your vocational training would be part of the package, and you could earn a little cash while you do it. You could admirably serve your country while receiving perhaps life's biggest reset button. 3+ years to get away from what ever could pull you from your goal of straightening out
Good luck and don't give up on yourself! You are worth what ever effort it takes to change and when you have the benefit of hind-side being 20/20 few thing would be worth risking the personal victory of change!
This response is a little late, so I hope it gets to you. If you are looking to go union the United Association (UA) is the union for plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, piplines, etc. Right now the country is gearing up for energy production, which usually requires piping to be installed, well guess what? That requires pipefitters and steamfitters. General trend in this country is employers are having a hard time finding qualified workers, the union may be able to help with the training.
call the Ironworkers Union........join the apprenticeship.......Los Angeles,,,,local 433.........San Francisco,,,,,local 377....... the Local 433 is in Las Vegas also,,,,,lots of work......
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