Career change (welding)
Discussion
Any welders on here?
Mainly been involved in the automotive industry as a mechanic until around 2014. I then spent 6 years in the aerospace industry manufacturing titanium parts for the likes or Airbus and Boeing. Towards the end of the 6 years I was placed in the tooling department and loved it, using all kinds of heavy equipment and doing a lot of mig / MMA welding to fix tools and just general maintenance of the plant. Before being made redundant the welders there let me spend some time in the tig room where they weld certain titanium parts and after that I caught the bug. Unfortunately as said due to Covid we had redundancy so that was that. I’m not in a factory pushing buttons and packing boxes ( surprisingly good pay ).
So is there anyone on here in the welding trade. I have applied for a college corse which is a 5 month night Placement, which will give me a good insight into all different types of welding along with H&S.
My plan is to start off with mig ( will soon be getting a mig welder as I have a Mx5 project sat outside) and to get my foot in that way. I have seen loads of jobs local for mig welders / fitters. But my goal is to buy a nice tig/MMA set and practice practice and practice at home as I’d like to eventually get into structural work.
Any advice would be welcome.
Mainly been involved in the automotive industry as a mechanic until around 2014. I then spent 6 years in the aerospace industry manufacturing titanium parts for the likes or Airbus and Boeing. Towards the end of the 6 years I was placed in the tooling department and loved it, using all kinds of heavy equipment and doing a lot of mig / MMA welding to fix tools and just general maintenance of the plant. Before being made redundant the welders there let me spend some time in the tig room where they weld certain titanium parts and after that I caught the bug. Unfortunately as said due to Covid we had redundancy so that was that. I’m not in a factory pushing buttons and packing boxes ( surprisingly good pay ).
So is there anyone on here in the welding trade. I have applied for a college corse which is a 5 month night Placement, which will give me a good insight into all different types of welding along with H&S.
My plan is to start off with mig ( will soon be getting a mig welder as I have a Mx5 project sat outside) and to get my foot in that way. I have seen loads of jobs local for mig welders / fitters. But my goal is to buy a nice tig/MMA set and practice practice and practice at home as I’d like to eventually get into structural work.
Any advice would be welcome.
I don't have any advice to offer, but as an IT desk jockey who has enjoyed doing a bit of MIG welding on some old classics at home it is always something that has appealed to me if I were forced into a career change.
I always like to inspect welded joints for their quality, I expect there is a lot of job satisfaction in getting it just right.
Good luck - keep us posted with how you get on.
I always like to inspect welded joints for their quality, I expect there is a lot of job satisfaction in getting it just right.
Good luck - keep us posted with how you get on.
Not a welder but worked in engineering long enough…
MiG is Ok and you might as well learn it, I did the same at night school C&G parts 1 and 2 for what it’s worth. If there are local jobs in that, then go for it.
Longer term, I would head towards TIG and welding stainless, bronzes, coppers, exotic alloys, Inconel, Monel etc…
If you can keep going with your certification and a desire to learn more, then Coded welders are always in demand, and the pay tends to reflect that.
The bad part is that the TIG set up costs a bit more
MiG is Ok and you might as well learn it, I did the same at night school C&G parts 1 and 2 for what it’s worth. If there are local jobs in that, then go for it.
Longer term, I would head towards TIG and welding stainless, bronzes, coppers, exotic alloys, Inconel, Monel etc…
If you can keep going with your certification and a desire to learn more, then Coded welders are always in demand, and the pay tends to reflect that.
The bad part is that the TIG set up costs a bit more
I've worked as a production welder (had experience with gas and stick previously) mig welding parts in a machinery factory. It was all done in jigs but got given some bigger jobs after a while. It took me about 6 months to feel I was making a good weld 99.5% of the time, but I enjoyed the challenge.
I also got to work in the machine shop on lathes and huge drills (one which still had paper tape to programme it - this was only 16 years ago.) I would have liked to have done more heavy fabrication, so you are building things but I ended up leaving the country.
As mentioned above, get ticketed and experienced in things other than mild steel. I say go for it - you don't want to be wondering 'what if' in 5-10 years time.
I also got to work in the machine shop on lathes and huge drills (one which still had paper tape to programme it - this was only 16 years ago.) I would have liked to have done more heavy fabrication, so you are building things but I ended up leaving the country.
As mentioned above, get ticketed and experienced in things other than mild steel. I say go for it - you don't want to be wondering 'what if' in 5-10 years time.
I did my apprenticeship as a welder, mainly in the marine industry but also other areas including oil & gas, nuclear etc.
If your aim is to get onto the structural side of things then TIG won’t be much use. MMA is looked down on by many as a bit crude, but these days the best paid welders I know spend most of their time doing it because all of the younger ones who came in through the trade wanted to be good at TIG.
In my opinion, learning to weld to fix up an old car is one thing. Getting to a standard where you can be a sub-contractor is quite another.
Also, welding up a car in your free time might be satisfying, welding all day on site or in a factory/unit is s
t and generally poorly paid. I worked very hard to get out of fabrication and into a nice desk job, with air-con and cakes on a Friday, and I don’t miss my old job for one moment.
If your aim is to get onto the structural side of things then TIG won’t be much use. MMA is looked down on by many as a bit crude, but these days the best paid welders I know spend most of their time doing it because all of the younger ones who came in through the trade wanted to be good at TIG.
In my opinion, learning to weld to fix up an old car is one thing. Getting to a standard where you can be a sub-contractor is quite another.
Also, welding up a car in your free time might be satisfying, welding all day on site or in a factory/unit is s
t and generally poorly paid. I worked very hard to get out of fabrication and into a nice desk job, with air-con and cakes on a Friday, and I don’t miss my old job for one moment.My Cousin has done it all his working life.
Industrial stuff overseas like oil rigs, big construction projects etc.
I remember when I was about 14 he turned up in some big flash Yank Tank, had a Russian ex-wife and a lives in Spain when not working.
I guess the money and work is there if you have the qualifications and contacts.
Industrial stuff overseas like oil rigs, big construction projects etc.
I remember when I was about 14 he turned up in some big flash Yank Tank, had a Russian ex-wife and a lives in Spain when not working.
I guess the money and work is there if you have the qualifications and contacts.
I have been in and around welding all my adult life, I had a small business for 7 years making portal frame buildings, staircases, industrial gates, railings and one off steel fabrications for flour mills.
Mig work is generally at low end of the scale pay wise, in Manchester the rates are between £11:50 and £13 per hour cards in.
Specialised welding is the way to go if you want to earn money, again from a long term point of view, I would honestly guide you away from it.
There is a real lack of fabricators, those that can take a sheet of steel and form it into a finished product. Watch the retro powers videos as a guide. This is a route I would recommend you take, will take a while to learn the skills needed but the difference in pay would be better long term.
Mig work tends to be jig work which is repetitive
If your local to Manchester I can probably get you into fabrication shop to have a look around as my business partner still runs our old place.
I do miss making stuff but I honestly don’t miss cold days welding and finger traps 😂
Mig work is generally at low end of the scale pay wise, in Manchester the rates are between £11:50 and £13 per hour cards in.
Specialised welding is the way to go if you want to earn money, again from a long term point of view, I would honestly guide you away from it.
There is a real lack of fabricators, those that can take a sheet of steel and form it into a finished product. Watch the retro powers videos as a guide. This is a route I would recommend you take, will take a while to learn the skills needed but the difference in pay would be better long term.
Mig work tends to be jig work which is repetitive
If your local to Manchester I can probably get you into fabrication shop to have a look around as my business partner still runs our old place.
I do miss making stuff but I honestly don’t miss cold days welding and finger traps 😂
Rail welding jobs,MMA for building up crossing points noses,thermit for joining rails together, mostly night,week end work,can start as a welder assistant
Plant welding,repairing excavator, attachments,lots of hard facing,building up,welding on piling jobs,joining piles together,repairing ground engaging tools,not the fancy tig work all on site but pay decent,need some qualifications though,blue cscs minimum
Plant welding,repairing excavator, attachments,lots of hard facing,building up,welding on piling jobs,joining piles together,repairing ground engaging tools,not the fancy tig work all on site but pay decent,need some qualifications though,blue cscs minimum
PurpleTurtle said:
I don't have any advice to offer, but as an IT desk jockey who has enjoyed doing a bit of MIG welding on some old classics at home it is always something that has appealed to me if I were forced into a career change.
I always like to inspect welded joints for their quality, I expect there is a lot of job satisfaction in getting it just right.
Good luck - keep us posted with how you get on.
I always like to inspect welded joints for their quality, I expect there is a lot of job satisfaction in getting it just right.
Good luck - keep us posted with how you get on.
Thank you, and will do
bucksmanuk said:
Not a welder but worked in engineering long enough…
MiG is Ok and you might as well learn it, I did the same at night school C&G parts 1 and 2 for what it’s worth. If there are local jobs in that, then go for it.
Longer term, I would head towards TIG and welding stainless, bronzes, coppers, exotic alloys, Inconel, Monel etc…
If you can keep going with your certification and a desire to learn more, then Coded welders are always in demand, and the pay tends to reflect that.
The bad part is that the TIG set up costs a bit more
The plan is to start a generic mig job but practice practice practice at home different positions at home MMA and get coded / show my welds and try to get in somewhere.MiG is Ok and you might as well learn it, I did the same at night school C&G parts 1 and 2 for what it’s worth. If there are local jobs in that, then go for it.
Longer term, I would head towards TIG and welding stainless, bronzes, coppers, exotic alloys, Inconel, Monel etc…
If you can keep going with your certification and a desire to learn more, then Coded welders are always in demand, and the pay tends to reflect that.
The bad part is that the TIG set up costs a bit more
some bloke said:
I've worked as a production welder (had experience with gas and stick previously) mig welding parts in a machinery factory. It was all done in jigs but got given some bigger jobs after a while. It took me about 6 months to feel I was making a good weld 99.5% of the time, but I enjoyed the challenge.
I also got to work in the machine shop on lathes and huge drills (one which still had paper tape to programme it - this was only 16 years ago.) I would have liked to have done more heavy fabrication, so you are building things but I ended up leaving the country.
As mentioned above, get ticketed and experienced in things other than mild steel. I say go for it - you don't want to be wondering 'what if' in 5-10 years time.
That’s the plan. Mainly in structural MMA is where I want to be. I also got to work in the machine shop on lathes and huge drills (one which still had paper tape to programme it - this was only 16 years ago.) I would have liked to have done more heavy fabrication, so you are building things but I ended up leaving the country.
As mentioned above, get ticketed and experienced in things other than mild steel. I say go for it - you don't want to be wondering 'what if' in 5-10 years time.
BIG MOLE said:
I did my apprenticeship as a welder, mainly in the marine industry but also other areas including oil & gas, nuclear etc.
If your aim is to get onto the structural side of things then TIG won’t be much use. MMA is looked down on by many as a bit crude, but these days the best paid welders I know spend most of their time doing it because all of the younger ones who came in through the trade wanted to be good at TIG.
In my opinion, learning to weld to fix up an old car is one thing. Getting to a standard where you can be a sub-contractor is quite another.
Also, welding up a car in your free time might be satisfying, welding all day on site or in a factory/unit is st and generally poorly paid. I worked very hard to get out of fabrication and into a nice desk job, with air-con and cakes on a Friday, and I don’t miss my old job for one moment.
Thanks for the advice. I know welding up my rusty mx5 is not the same as a welding career but I’m set on welding. If your aim is to get onto the structural side of things then TIG won’t be much use. MMA is looked down on by many as a bit crude, but these days the best paid welders I know spend most of their time doing it because all of the younger ones who came in through the trade wanted to be good at TIG.
In my opinion, learning to weld to fix up an old car is one thing. Getting to a standard where you can be a sub-contractor is quite another.
Also, welding up a car in your free time might be satisfying, welding all day on site or in a factory/unit is s
t and generally poorly paid. I worked very hard to get out of fabrication and into a nice desk job, with air-con and cakes on a Friday, and I don’t miss my old job for one moment.audikentman said:
My Cousin has done it all his working life.
Industrial stuff overseas like oil rigs, big construction projects etc.
I remember when I was about 14 he turned up in some big flash Yank Tank, had a Russian ex-wife and a lives in Spain when not working.
I guess the money and work is there if you have the qualifications and contacts.
Sounds good to me. Industrial stuff overseas like oil rigs, big construction projects etc.
I remember when I was about 14 he turned up in some big flash Yank Tank, had a Russian ex-wife and a lives in Spain when not working.
I guess the money and work is there if you have the qualifications and contacts.
gobste said:
te said: I have been in and around welding all my adult life, I had a small business for 7 years making portal frame buildings, staircases, industrial gates, railings and one off steel fabrications for flour mills.
Mig work is generally at low end of the scale pay wise, in Manchester the rates are between £11:50 and £13 per hour cards in.
Specialised welding is the way to go if you want to earn money, again from a long term point of view, I would honestly guide you away from it.
There is a real lack of fabricators, those that can take a sheet of steel and form it into a finished product. Watch the retro powers videos as a guide. This is a route I would recommend you take, will take a while to learn the skills needed but the difference in pay would be better long term.
Mig work tends to be jig work which is repetitive
If your local to Manchester I can probably get you into fabrication shop to have a look around as my business partner still runs our old place.
I do miss making stuff but I honestly don’t miss cold days welding and finger traps ??
Thank you but unfortunately, or not I’m based in Hertfordshire. As said I want to get into the structural side / oil gas MMA. Mig work is generally at low end of the scale pay wise, in Manchester the rates are between £11:50 and £13 per hour cards in.
Specialised welding is the way to go if you want to earn money, again from a long term point of view, I would honestly guide you away from it.
There is a real lack of fabricators, those that can take a sheet of steel and form it into a finished product. Watch the retro powers videos as a guide. This is a route I would recommend you take, will take a while to learn the skills needed but the difference in pay would be better long term.
Mig work tends to be jig work which is repetitive
If your local to Manchester I can probably get you into fabrication shop to have a look around as my business partner still runs our old place.
I do miss making stuff but I honestly don’t miss cold days welding and finger traps ??
TCX said:
Rail welding jobs,MMA for building up crossing points noses,thermit for joining rails together, mostly night,week end work,can start as a welder assistant
Plant welding,repairing excavator, attachments,lots of hard facing,building up,welding on piling jobs,joining piles together,repairing ground engaging tools,not the fancy tig work all on site but pay decent,need some qualifications though,blue cscs minimum
Thank you for the info. It’s things like extra construction certificates etc I need to look into. Plant welding,repairing excavator, attachments,lots of hard facing,building up,welding on piling jobs,joining piles together,repairing ground engaging tools,not the fancy tig work all on site but pay decent,need some qualifications though,blue cscs minimum
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