Welding Student Seeks Advice From Veteran Welders!!!

My name is Doug Hall, 35, I am currently in my second semester of welding at frontrange community college. I plan on getting the associate degree in welding in the hopes it will make me more employable. I am taking MIG, TIG, and SMAW, Oxy welding/cutting, and possibly down the road Pipe.

I need some direction on where to get decent paying jobs locally or abroad. Which field is the best to get into? Which jobs you can actually enjoy. Should I go union down in Denver with Pipefitters or boiler makers? I have always wanted to move to Washington State or Oregon, Is there any ship building that goes on that way, or any other field I am not even aware of up that way. What about a Rookie making big money overseas/ offshore?

What websites are the best to learn about what is out there and to network and connect with others?

I thank anyone in advance for sharing any knowlege with me, or even sending me in the right direction....

Doug Hall

Doug I've been in the stell trade for close to thrity years! Mama always said the more yoy know the more you make! Get as much schooling as you can, so that after a few years in a shop, plant or field you can be a welding inspector or engineer. You don't want to suck smoke all your life!! But you can not be affaird to go back to your tools! I've spent most of the last 14 years as a supervisor either in a shop, field or ship yard but thanks to the economy I'm just another smoke sucking pipewelder! Don't get me wrong I love welding, but the steel trade has a lot more to offer and the real money as I see is what your after is making good moneyab As far as union or not is your choice to make, I'm with a boilermaker

dedicateddoug said: My name is Doug Hall, 35, I am currently in my second semester of welding at frontrange community college. I plan on getting the associate degree in welding in the hopes it will make me more employable. I am taking MIG, TIG, and SMAW, Oxy welding/cutting, and possibly down the road Pipe.

I need some direction on where to get decent paying jobs locally or abroad. Which field is the best to get into? Which jobs you can actually enjoy. Should I go union down in Denver with Pipefitters or boiler makers? I have always wanted to move to Washington State or Oregon, Is there any ship building that goes on that way, or any other field I am not even aware of up that way. What about a Rookie making big money overseas/ offshore?

What websites are the best to learn about what is out there and to network and connect with others?

I thank anyone in advance for sharing any knowlege with me, or even sending me in the right direction....

Doug Hall

dedicateddoug said: My name is Doug Hall, 35, I am currently in my second semester of welding at frontrange community college. I plan on getting the associate degree in welding in the hopes it will make me more employable. I am taking MIG, TIG, and SMAW, Oxy welding/cutting, and possibly down the road Pipe.

I need some direction on where to get decent paying jobs locally or abroad. Which field is the best to get into? Which jobs you can actually enjoy. Should I go union down in Denver with Pipefitters or boiler makers? I have always wanted to move to Washington State or Oregon, Is there any ship building that goes on that way, or any other field I am not even aware of up that way. What about a Rookie making big money overseas/ offshore?

What websites are the best to learn about what is out there and to network and connect with others?

I thank anyone in advance for sharing any knowlege with me, or even sending me in the right direction....

Doug Hall

Hey just wanted to let you know about another good job search site... completely free membership... and it has a live chat service to talk to other construction people just like you and me.. My name is Gary and this site covers job openings in all crafts...Give it a try and if ya like it spread the word will you... its completely free and easy to use.... hope to see ya there...heres the link...

smokepen.phpbb3now.com/index.php