Welding as follow on Career

By Scruf Date 10-30-2004 09:14

I am currently in the Military repairing Aircraft. I have 12 years in so in about 8 yrs I will be in need of a new job. I am also currently signed up to take a welding course at a local Tech college. Once I make a few "certified" welds am I standard or a long shot? (Personally I like people that can do a good job without the cert vs. certed person that can "accomplish" the job) Basically what I am asking is would it be smart to try to get a weekend job in a shop to mainly learn and on the lesser side show experience? Do welders fall under the Apprentice/Journeyman/Craftsman skills? What is the average pay for each skill level? Unions? Any pointers/thoughts? Would having own equipment help? Sorry if I seem rude or upfront. Just tired of askin and always gettin the must be a newbie deal.. Thanks in advance to any soul that provides info

By pipewelder_1999 (****)

Date 10-30-2004 14:23

The variation in pay is considerable depending on what type welding you do and what type of shop/environment you get in.

Most organized labor pays more but may have less work available depending on your location.

If you can get any weekend / part time job welding while still active duty I would do it for the experience but if it applies watch the lost family time.

If you have hydraulic/Mechanical/Electrical experience you could look into a maintenance position in which some basic welding skills are required.

If you have another 8 years to go before you get out you should have plenty of time to develop any skills you would need for the civilan sector. I would think after 20 years of repairing aircraft you will have a base set of skills that are very marketable.

I'm pretty sure you won't get any "newbie" treatment here. Were all newbies to something.

Thanks for the time you spent in the military. I spent 6 years in the Navy and it can have some hard times regardless of what you do.

Have a good day
Gerald Austin

By billvanderhoof (****)

Date 10-31-2004 06:50

Does your experience lead to a civilian airframe and powerplant license? Or are you sick of airplanes. Welding could still be a useful thing if you go that way. For example in repair of old cloth covered tube structures.
Bill