Quote:
Originally Posted by swamp snorkler
If I were you I would take the job and let them teach me how to weld. I don't know how old you are or your work experience but let me give you this little bit of advise if you just starting out and you want to weld for a living...... Don't smoke weed, keep your nose clean, show up to work on time, sober! Do what ever is asked of you within reason, take whatever O.T. the willing to give you. Go to any training class they offer. No matter how good you can weld you can't weld very good hungover and you can't weld at all if you not at work for wahtever reason. Stay there for 6 months or so, if things aint shaking move onto something else.
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This!
If you're the respectable type, younger guy, go hook up with one of the older welders in the shop. Pimp for him(gopher). Get whatever he needs and, when you aren't running for him, have your hood down, watching what he's doing. Be patient because most of the older guys aren't gonna want to "waste their time" with some newbie. Be persistent but, polite and, attentive.
I can assure you that I ran my butt off for some of these guys but, they taught me a tremendous amount doing just what I described above. Many times, when break time came along, I'd have scrap metal lined up to weld on while everyone else was at break. When break was over, I'd ask my welder how it looked and, what I could do differently.
Lastly, when you get to the point that you can pass the welding test, don't think it makes you a welder and, that's all you should be doing. I can't tell you how many FNG's I saw come out with that attitude! Be ready to still be pulling leads and pimping for the proven welders. If you'll do that and, not complain, you'll be noticed and, in time, you'll be that guy behind the shield all day. At that point, you have an FNG doing all the things you once had to do!