seeking advice from welders with shutdown experience

Date 06-21-2007 02:58

Good evening to all the gentlemen on this forum. Hello I'm Bradley and I'm seeking some career advice from the veteran welders on this forum who have worked/and/or are working shutdowns or turarounds as structural or combo welders. Would it be wise for an entry-level right out of school w/certificate (pipe) welding student to jump into this sector of the industry? For what he may lack in experience can knowledge of how to do things the "right way" bridge that gap-provided he can produce high quality, sound, and consistent professional weldments? Or does he have those "starry" eyes that are glossed over by dollar signs? Do any of the fellas here have some inside advice that they would like to share? How did they start out or make that transition into this particular sector of the industry? Do I have or stand a fighting chance? Can my tremendous work ethic and sense of professionalism bridge the experience barrier? I'm hungry-hungry like a wolf who has that taste of blood in his mouth! THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR TIME AND ADVICE!!!

By hogan

Date 06-21-2007 14:26

can you weld with a mirror, while laying down or upside down ? are you as proficient with fitting as welding.

By Tommyjoking (****)

Date 06-27-2007 08:43

Bradley,

I have never done "shutdowns" strictly as a welder but more as a millwright (electrical work, mechanical, fit, fab and weld). My little bit of experience with it involved a lot of thinking on your feet and being faced with problems that need solving quickly. Usually a lot of installs/repair and a lot of on the spot fabrication to make that install go in on time. There are a lot of companies that specialize in building equipment and then going to site to install. Hooking up with one of these companies might be good way for you to get into that line.

My advice to you is you got to start somewhere ....don't be afraid to go out and try (and try for)any type of work. You won't ever know what suits you and what you want to make a career out of until you get a taste of it. If you plan on answering shutdown calls out of a newspaper or trade paper...spend some time talking to the contractor and be upfront with them to make sure that they will be willing to take you on for the whole job before driving xxx miles to the jobsite. Also it is a good idea to check on the rep of that company any way you can. One last thing Bradley and this is the MOST important...A lot is happening on a typical shutdown...it can be a highly dangerous enviorment and on big ones you won't know or neccessarily be able to count on a lot of the people your working with....you are the guy thats gonna make sure you stay safe and live thru it in one piece.

Good luck

Tommy