I want to know if there are any welders out there, who can give me some pointers in which direction to head, when I get out of welding school. I'm in my 40's, pretty dang gung-ho, and want enjoy what & where I'm welding.
2007-03-05 05:30:32 · 5 answers · asked by Jane g 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Women can be amazing welders. Just look at all those WWII aircraft that the "rosies" put together. And that was old-school torch welding of aluminum!
I keep reading that there is a shortage of welders right now...so this could be your chance to write your own ticket.
There are several different levels of welding jobs out there. I know guys who make $10 per hour working on a line putting trailer parts together.
I just recently met another guy, who is certified in more ways than I can count, who gets paid a small fortune to weld at powerplants, and most recently, at the construction of a new bridge that spans the Potomac River.
In my metalworking travels, I've met two types of welders:
Those for whom it's just a job, and who consider the workpiece simply "holding together" to be the pinnacle of achievement in their field...
...and those who practice, study and delve into the knowledge required to be the best they can be.
If you are of the latter mindset, respect yourself as the skilled tradesperson you are, and conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times...you will stand out in your field, and go as far as you want to...or as far as the market in which you choose to live will allow.
Also think about what welding YOU like to do. If you don't want to stick weld pipes together for boilers...and would prefer to TIG weld aluminum for aircraft or motorsports...listen to that desire...and do what you can to get pointed in that direction. That may entail shooting for an entry-level job that, at the very least, allows you to TIG weld...so you can build up valuable TIG experience.
If, right out of school, you get a job on the line MIG welding trailers...you may not get to refine your TIG skills any further, without more schooling.
In my local, small-town area...People who can TIG weld alloys, get paid higher than your standard MIG welder, probably because of the increased level of skill required. So, even if money is the driving force in your job choice...check out the market in which you live, and see what's in demand. I just know, from experience, that MIG welding in a production environment, is the least stimulating, often dirtiest/smokiest of jobs...and is not nearly as fun as running a pretty row of dimes on some Aluminum sheet, with no spalls falling down your shirt.
What you WANT to do should play a big role in your choices.
Best of Luck to you.
2007-03-08 04:48:06 · answer #1 · answered by foreverhalloween 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welding pays pretty good, but the downside of it is that over time, even wearing protective gear, you eyes will suffer and deteriorate more rapidly than normal. People have been known to have lost their sight from the ravages of welding for a long time. Is this an acceptable risk for you? Yes, there are women who are excellect welders.
2007-03-05 05:35:43 · answer #2 · answered by WC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would advise you to work in a place where you have at least one freind, welding seems to still be a largely male job.
2007-03-05 05:35:56 · answer #3 · answered by zeebarista 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes there are, but Why would you want a dirty and hazardous job like that?
2007-03-05 05:36:34 · answer #4 · answered by reckontheirlife 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
we can do anything!!!!
2007-03-05 05:32:41 · answer #5 · answered by jojo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋