hey guys im 20 years old. almost done college in computer networking. I really don't like the career im heading and wanted to know if it's too late to get into the welding career. my eyes are really good and my hand is steady. I am willing to work for free with a top of the line welder, someone who is known in the market. give me some advice and is it possible to learn on my own?

 

I would check to see if your school has a Trade program in welding. That should get your through the basics and probably provide some certs. Then you can get your first welding job.

 

LOL im actually welding now and wanting to get back into school for I.T.!
I was actually a Auto Tech and then i started welding 3years ago (im 25 BTW). Pipe welding. Its not bad but im ready to sit down and be clean and in AC cooled place! I say if u want go do it. ITs not hard. At least i didnt think it was that hard.

 

Auto tech jobs suck, I make twice as much now.


Modified by EJAYATE at 11:44 PM 5/20/2008

 

like the other guy said check with your local tech. school to see if they offer any class for welding. There's also a lots of books and DVDs about welding and the different techniques you can learn from. There are many different type of welders and each one have it unique characteristic. I myself started off welding a tool cart and other things around the house. I used a MIG flux wire welder without gas because I do a lots of outdoor welding and the flux ones are best for my situation plus i dont like to deal with the gas. I bought it for less than $250 from a local tools store.


Modified by AznRacer305 at 12:43 AM 5/12/2008

 

Like others have said. Go to trade school. I went to trade school for welding and it was one of the best things I ever did. Its one thing to teach yourself off books / DVDs, they are out there and they provide a considerable amount of information. But when it comes down to it there is nothing better than having a VERY experienced teacher with over 30 years in the field as my instructor had, guiding you on the path to enlightenment.

I believe that having a solid instructor with first hand knowledge of how things are really done in the field and real world environment makes all the difference, when compared to self teaching from books. I was one of the best students in the class, I excelled quickly through the program where I was then allowed to surpass the curriculum and he helped me complete all the projects I had and always had real world answers for any questions or problems I ran into. My instructor told me when I stopped by to say hello a few weeks ago, he had recently been honored by the NJ AWS chapter as Welding instructor of the year for the state. I was not surprised.

Its never too late to change the path of your life or career. Get the needed training / education and your options are endless from that point on.

Good luck.

 

everyone thanks alot for the help. im looking into it.