Pipewelding out of Tulsa Welding School?

Hey all,

I love this site and all the info you guys/gals are giving. I'm currently attending Tulsa Welding School in Jacksonville Florida. It's a 7 month course. I will be graduating in October. I'm looking to work the pipeline when I graduate. I would like to make atleast 25 an hour if that's possible. My main goal was to travel across the pond but my foot isn't even near the door. How hard is it going to be fore me to find a pipeline job? I'm traveling with a buddy and we have nothing. No family, kids or even lady friends. Got any leads for us? Any advice will be much appreciated!

Robert T in North Hollywood, California said: How do you like that program

Well there are areas of the school that are great and others not so great.

Pro's:

-95% of the TEACHING staff are excellent. They will go out of their way to help you any way they can.
-Class is 5hrs a day but you are allowed and encouraged to be there from openin to close.
-open 2 out of 3 saturdays and once again u r encouraged to show up.

Cons:
-The admin part will say anything to get you in school. i.e. tell u to only bring 1k with you and there are plenty of jobs. It takes almost 1k just to get in your apt and get the lights turned on and jobs are almost non-existant. U have to almost hope you can get a job at mcdonalds and even they dont seem to be hiring even though they advertise they are.
-The attendance rate is growing massively but they are worried about putting people in the school, not worried about how they are going to accomodate them all.
-Not enough cuttung/grinding equipment
-Even of the minimal equipment they have only about 2/3 of it are in proper working condition. Mainly speaking of the track torches
-Their rebuttle to the equipment failing is "in the field you dont have all this fancy equipment, we are welders we come up with other ways. My rebuttle is thats a pathetic excuse, i'm paying you to learn and I should have decent equipment to learn with and in the field im getting paid."
-The building is old. Once since ive been here the school had to be shut down because of a leaking roof. Now in actuality it should have been shut down atleast 6 or more. Water leaking all over the booths and the machines pumping out electricity is very unsafe and unsat. Not just a little water either. Puddles all over the shop.

They did get new owners and I have seen them put the benches out for 4 new pipe track torches and about 8 plate torches. But it really has put a bad taste in my mouth to see them pump all these new bodies in the school with no concern of .....

Forgive me. Even the Director of training Bobby Hathaway will go out of his way to help you with anything you need help with. He has opened his door a couple of times to listen to me and has helped with questions when ive seen him in the shop.

Beasthunt in Jacksonville, Florida said: Forgive me. Even the Director of training Bobby Hathaway will go out of his way to help you with anything you need help with. He has opened his door a couple of times to listen to me and has helped with questions when ive seen him in the shop.

Thanks for comment It made me question a few things. I will be attending tulsa in Aug.

Not a problem. The school is supposedly rated #1 in the nation for welding and you do get some good training. They did get a bunch of new track torch machines and that will clear a bunch of stuff up. Do yourself a favor and come with plenty of money because there are little to no jobs and you won't want a job anyway. The training is fast paced and can be extrememly tough. I'm TIG'in now and i'm putting in 10 hours a day. They have made some changes since I last wrote that post. Sometimes you just have to get on the instructors and remind them you are grown folk. If you are willing to put in the time you will get alot out of it. My time is at 111% and would be somewhere around 180% if they counted all the hours I was there. If you stay in your booth and keep your hood down and sparks flying then you will do really well. I'm hoping it all pays off when I graduate. I will keep you posted.

Look me up when you get in. I should be in phase 8 or 9. Just ask any of the instructors who Greg Hunt is....lol. I've made friends with most of them and most of them are pretty cool.

I recently graduated from TWS.. Personally, I thought that the schooling was excellent. The teachers were GREAT. The admin. is a whole different story. They will tell you any BS you want to hear to get into the school. Bobby was far from helpful in my opinion, as well as various others

Going to school with a job isn't very difficult at all. Other than Saturday's, I never came in during any of the other shifts, and graduated with about 99% attendance. I received an 80+ score (out of 90) on virtually all my welds. It seems that most of the time if you show up, do what they tell you to, take into consideration your necessary changes, you will be fine. It is clear that some people do catch on quicker than others, I have noticed that with my friends as well.

As for problems with not having enough beveling or grinding machines, you have to be smart about your timing. It's no secret that everyone shows up at the beginning of the day, empty handed in terms of pipe or plate. That's why you take time off in the middle of the day, or at the very end, and get your plate and pipe prepared for the next day. That way when you show up the next day, you have enough to get by and start welding while everyone else is waiting in line..

Welding schools don't prepare you enough for the "real" pipeline world. You need to get a job as a helper first, work it a year or two and then break out on your own.

travelinwelder in Wann, Oklahoma said: Welding schools don't prepare you enough for the "real" pipeline world. You need to get a job as a helper first, work it a year or two and then break out on your own.

Thanks for your response. That's exactly what I plan on doing. I'm hoping that with the school under my belt that atleasst a company would be willing to hire me as a helper. Got any leads?

Beasthunt in Jacksonville, Florida said: Thanks for your response. That's exactly what I plan on doing. I'm hoping that with the school under my belt that atleasst a company would be willing to hire me as a helper. Got any leads?

Most companies that are true pipeline don't really care if you go to welding school or not. I attended Tulsa Welding school years ago, never finished, because it didn't really prepare me at all for pipeline fields of work. If you want to work in a shop making $10 an hr. Welding schools are for you.

Helpers are usually hired by the welder they work with. So you need to find a guy who is already a welder and hook up with him/her. Helpers that are hired directly from a company can happen, but it is rare.

www.travelinwelderjobs.blogspot.com

I have noticed some of the same out of TWS in Tulsa i recently graduated from there was an excellent experience and great instructors i can agree with the Admin part they will say anything and everything to get you in and get your money but you learn alot and can be a great time i graduated Sept 2nd and am still lookin for jobs around my area.. seems everything in Texas is down around Houston or Abilene and its just hard to afford to get out there right now.. Hope to find something soon

It seems like with anything else you get out of it what you put into it. Seriously, if your willing to put in some work you can learn alot from school. You can become good at the basics so when you start pounding on doors looking for work your chances are a lot better than some guy right off the street. The big problem I've found though with school is people go in and half ass it standind around BS-ing there time away doing just enough to pass and look like there doing something then they blame the school for being a crappy welder. And then there's the guy who thinks he knows everything and refuse to take advice from from instructors but is quick to tell everyone else how to weld,do this or that or how to get the kick butt job. But there's a few guys who bust tail burning hundreds of rods asking questions (if you don't know ASK) get the most you can from it. Remember school is basicly practice the real knowledge is taught on the job..
Good luck to those just getting started, those with experance looking for work hopefully we can all be working.

Rob T

Its nice to be home but these days you go where the work is. Make the money when and where you can if you want to make a liveing. Not in all cases but alot.

tulsa welding school sucks! dont wast your money! i went there ten years ago they fill you with bull s*$t and push you out the door. i still weld and im dam good .But if you know me you know that i have hade to pay my dues!! Thanks for nothing tulsa welding school(tulsa) .

Beasthunt in Jacksonville, Florida said: Hey all,

I love this site and all the info you guys/gals are giving. I'm currently attending Tulsa Welding School in Jacksonville Florida. It's a 7 month course. I will be graduating in October. I'm looking to work the pipeline when I graduate. I would like to make atleast 25 an hour if that's possible. My main goal was to travel across the pond but my foot isn't even near the door. How hard is it going to be fore me to find a pipeline job? I'm traveling with a buddy and we have nothing. No family, kids or even lady friends. Got any leads for us? Any advice will be much appreciated!

Hello, Florida huh? Cool. I went to OK back in 99. Learned alot.

travelinwelder in Wann, Oklahoma said: Most companies that are true pipeline don't really care if you go to welding school or not. I attended Tulsa Welding school years ago, never finished, because it didn't really prepare me at all for pipeline fields of work. If you want to work in a shop making $10 an hr. Welding schools are for you.

Helpers are usually hired by the welder they work with. So you need to find a guy who is already a welder and hook up with him/her. Helpers that are hired directly from a company can happen, but it is rare.

www.travelinwelderjobs.blogspot.com

I always wanted to work for the pipelne, I haven't had a welding job for about 7 years. But when i think of doing it again I feel good. I can't wait till i get another welding job. Im working on it.

HI everyone, im a female welder. *I still call myself a welder!* I've been out from my field for quite some time now. I am strongly gettin myself back into welding. I went into this field right out of HS. I didn't know s*** bout welding. Now at this time i've come to learn the welding/const industry. Being away from welding has really set me back. My goal is to become a rig welder or even an active welder. Any advice?

habib in Benton Harbor, Michigan said: tulsa welding school sucks! dont wast your money! i went there ten years ago they fill you with bull s*$t and push you out the door. i still weld and im dam good .But if you know me you know that i have hade to pay my dues!! Thanks for nothing tulsa welding school(tulsa) .

hey i went there 10 yrs ago as well. do you remeber the hot chick named lana? if you do then you know me. needless to say i enjoyed my time there and it opened alot of doors for me. i was a 798 helper before and now im local 367 welder. cant say i owe it all to tulsa welding school, but the diploma does carry weight.

Well Alaskamax,

I would hope you all are right. I graduated in October. Graduated with 111% attendance. I missed a total of 3 saturdays the entire time the doors were open and that didn't include all of the morinings I would come in. Ive put my time in and got good marks and great attendance but it seems that everyone wants 3-5 years experience. I had a temp job for a month but now i've been off for a month. I'm hoping I didn't just waste 15k.

Any luck sense this pos?t

Jim S in Lawrenceville, Georgia said: Any luck sense this pos?t

What's up Jim. No sir, no luck as of yet. I'm hoping that things open up now that it's the new year. Lord willing.

This is how it is. I went to school in jacksonville, was top 1, 4 different times, graduated in the top 3 percent, and have been looking for work for over a yr. Found a job contracting to florida gas transmittion, worked pipeline as a laborer. have drove across the entire U.S. looking for work, have had test set up and as soon as I get there and find me with no experiance, they wont even let me test. TULSA is a joke! They play on your fears. They say "hey, lets us train you to weld so you will never be with out a job, you will never feel the effects of the economy" BullSh!t. You have to KNOW someone to get a job. I do now someone in the pipeline industry. MY BROTHER. He is actually a pretty high up individual. He works with all the pipeline companies. Pipeline work is nothing like what Tulsa teaches. Nothing there at that school will be on the job site. When I worked with florida gas, we ran pigs, did hydro static test, hot taps, etc.. they dont have pipe cutting machines, bevelers, vices, nothiing like that. You need to learn how to hand cut, hand bevel, use band torches, spacing tools, sledge hammers, down hill weld, grind snake heads, use portable rheastats, stuff like that. Tulsa is good for shop/Fab work. No training that I got from tulsa even applied to pipeline work. SAVE YOUR MONEY, JUST HIRE ON AS A WELDER HELPER! THATS WHAT YOUR GOING TO HAVE TO DO ANYWAYS! SO JUST SAVE THE 20K AND GO BUY YOURSELF A GOOD LINCOLN PIPELINER OR CLASSIC 200C

I've been in the pipe trades thirty years and met a few "schooled" welders but the best are field hands. Those that started out as pipe helpers and at break and lunch would grab a stinger and practice. Nothing beats experience and thats what I look for when I hire not schooling. The best school is the UHK (University of Hard Knocks)

I agree with both of the last two post. Tulsu is a joke. I wasted 15k and I do believe the school ruins lives instead of helps people. I had 5 top 1 hats and graduated 2nd out of all 3 classes and you know what. I only know of 2 people who landed a job. One of wich only works 3 days a week and one is just blessed.

Now. Myself. I came up as a painter in the construction field. So i'm well aware of working your way up and starting as a helper making your 5 bucks an hour so that is fine with me. Would LOVE to find a job making even minimum wage just to get some experience but I can't even find that. I don't mean any harm but some of the responses don't help at all. All you guy's talk about is what you have to do. I know what I have to do. How bout pointing someone in a right direction. That's actually helpful. I know I have to start as a helper on the pipeline......how bout you tell me about someone who is looking for a helper?....lol.

im guessing by all the comments that having schooling will not guarantee me work

Yuh....school dont guarantee anything.. why do you think they dont have job placement?

Beasthunt in Jacksonville, Florida said: Hey all,

I love this site and all the info you guys/gals are giving. I'm currently attending Tulsa Welding School in Jacksonville Florida. It's a 7 month course. I will be graduating in October. I'm looking to work the pipeline when I graduate. I would like to make atleast 25 an hour if that's possible. My main goal was to travel across the pond but my foot isn't even near the door. How hard is it going to be fore me to find a pipeline job? I'm traveling with a buddy and we have nothing. No family, kids or even lady friends. Got any leads for us? Any advice will be much appreciated!

well i went to that school back in the 80's ... you have to be agressie like any other job hunt if you travel you will have to take a test at each job. there is a shut down starting in feb. in north dakota. the more jobs you go to the more contacts you make. you need to keep your contacts all the time. so you can call them to find what jobs they have going on.

I agree. Tulsa welding school is the biggest waste of money i have ever spent. I graduated in oct 09 and still no work. Now i have loans to pay and no money to pay them. Hell i cant even find a helper job if i wanted to no one will give me a chance. All the people that i know are in the drilling industry and are setting on there ass as well. I know about hard work and starting form the bottom but without anyone wanting give someone a chance we are screwed.

well dont know where you live. but no matter what you need to travel. they way that works you call find out what job is going on then travel to the test.take the test and pass then start working. this is how you get the background and exp. then after about two yrs of doing so. you can then try to get on with a company.it is like anytrade you have to get exp. and in order to do so you travel. there is a job starting in north dakota. pays 32 hr for welders.so if you ar confident with the welding then get the exp.

You all know just because you passed the school and all that jazz doesnt mean that you are a good welder!?!?!?! anyone can pass this school if you show up and do the projects.....Now the people that are not finding jobs are not really looking or you just arent that good of a welder....I'm in the school now at phase 4 and I have already had 2 job offers, one in a shipyard at 15$ an hour and another in a shop as 19$. I started the school knowing nothing....So just because you can make it to the end doesnt mean sh@t...It is about the money they make that is why you see so many new bodies in the school. But on the other hand if you are a true welder the school will see that and help you get a you job. Bottom line is just because you finished the school the jobs arent going to just come to you......

Theres a lot of differance in welding in a controlled environment and hanging on a pipe or tube balanced on one foot welding. But go for it and learn boy!

damnwelder in Jacksonville, Florida said: You all know just because you passed the school and all that jazz doesnt mean that you are a good welder!?!?!?! anyone can pass this school if you show up and do the projects.....Now the people that are not finding jobs are not really looking or you just arent that good of a welder....I'm in the school now at phase 4 and I have already had 2 job offers, one in a shipyard at 15$ an hour and another in a shop as 19$. I started the school knowing nothing....So just because you can make it to the end doesnt mean sh@t...It is about the money they make that is why you see so many new bodies in the school. But on the other hand if you are a true welder the school will see that and help you get a you job. Bottom line is just because you finished the school the jobs arent going to just come to you......

I agree just about anyone can get through school and pass with good marks oh and the gradeing system is complete BS the Text books don't even coenside with the classroom test (old test/new books=different info) and the weld grades greatly depend on if the instuctor likes you. I was top one three times and graded well some guys didn't but everyone passes unless your a complete F-up. Also I agree jobs are out there I landed a job by my fith month good job and I didn't know Jack about welding before school but it is on the west coast. Maby I just got lucky right place right time I don't know. Also I would like to ad the real school starts the first day on the job I never felt school was going prepare me for what it's really like in the field but we all got to start somewhere.

navawelder in Arizona said: HI everyone, im a female welder. *I still call myself a welder!* I've been out from my field for quite some time now. I am strongly gettin myself back into welding. I went into this field right out of HS. I didn't know s*** bout welding. Now at this time i've come to learn the welding/const industry. Being away from welding has really set me back. My goal is to become a rig welder or even an active welder. Any advice?

hey there navawelder my advice for u is if ur really wantin to get back into weldn just do it jump in with both feet and dont look back get on a job and just meet as many people as u can make friends and dont be afrade to travel!!

damnwelder in Jacksonville, Florida said: You all know just because you passed the school and all that jazz doesnt mean that you are a good welder!?!?!?! anyone can pass this school if you show up and do the projects.....Now the people that are not finding jobs are not really looking or you just arent that good of a welder....I'm in the school now at phase 4 and I have already had 2 job offers, one in a shipyard at 15$ an hour and another in a shop as 19$. I started the school knowing nothing....So just because you can make it to the end doesnt mean sh@t...It is about the money they make that is why you see so many new bodies in the school. But on the other hand if you are a true welder the school will see that and help you get a you job. Bottom line is just because you finished the school the jobs arent going to just come to you......

Look here my friend. I too was in your exact spot. Hearing people talk about how they cannot find a job and how I thought they just were not looking or were just bums. I graduated with many people who pumped out good welds. Many who the instructors praised. Myself being one of them. I'm still in Jacksonville and will be going back to the school to freshen up this week. So I will personally take you to every instructor and they will tell you of my work ethic and skill level. The school sells dreams pal. That's all they do. I had more time in that school then 2 people graduating. Worked my tail off. Blood, sweat and tears and burns. So your little argument holds no water and is very ignorant at best. I know people who were welders before they came to the school and still can't find jobs. Sounds like you have been talking to Drew too much. But once again, just like everyone else. You talk about how it's easy to find a job and you point fingers at others that you obviously have no clue about but yet I don't see you helping out at all. When you graduate you will be like all the others and be jobless,wondering what happend

Do yourself a favor as well, don't put too much stock into this Northrop Grumman mess. Anyone can pass the little 2nd class welder visual they give you. Almost anyone. Go ahead and post where you found these jobs at. I have been looking since phase 3 when I was in and have had no offers. Had a job out of school but that only lasted 2 months. While I was in school I helped many pass phases and helped people bend out. I was good and am good. I knew nothing when I came in but through hard work learned. So look for me. Big white guy named Greg Hunt. Ask Joey or Brian or Jack if they remember me. I will look for you. Tell me your name and I will see you at the school so we can discuss things. Maybe you have insight I don't have but you sound exactly like I did. Bought on the dreams the school sells.

Beasthunt in Jacksonville, Florida said: Do yourself a favor as well, don't put too much stock into this Northrop Grumman mess. Anyone can pass the little 2nd class welder visual they give you. Almost anyone. Go ahead and post where you found these jobs at. I have been looking since phase 3 when I was in and have had no offers. Had a job out of school but that only lasted 2 months. While I was in school I helped many pass phases and helped people bend out. I was good and am good. I knew nothing when I came in but through hard work learned. So look for me. Big white guy named Greg Hunt. Ask Joey or Brian or Jack if they remember me. I will look for you. Tell me your name and I will see you at the school so we can discuss things. Maybe you have insight I don't have but you sound exactly like I did. Bought on the dreams the school sells.

Thanks for the post I spoke to you before I started TSW. Like you I come early put in a ton of extra time. For my benifit not to grade grub and all that crap. So I agree that the admin try and fill you up with a bunch of nonsense about how easy it's going to be to get work. The fact is it's hard as he'll for anybody to find work in any field. My brothers got a masters from UCLA top 5% of his class and is out of work but he dosent blame UCLA. You don't here these 1000s of guys/gals saying man USC,UCLA,WSU where ever sucks cause there out of work. Its the economy. Ya just gota keep pushing on. Good luck to those looking for work hang in there something will come up. Oh ya, what he'll is Drew there for dosent do sh;;. He can't even barley help with a Rez I could go on but no.

RT said: Thanks for the post I spoke to you before I started TSW. Like you I come early put in a ton of extra time. For my benifit not to grade grub and all that crap. So I agree that the admin try and fill you up with a bunch of nonsense about how easy it's going to be to get work. The fact is it's hard as he'll for anybody to find work in any field. My brothers got a masters from UCLA top 5% of his class and is out of work but he dosent blame UCLA. You don't here these 1000s of guys/gals saying man USC,UCLA,WSU where ever sucks cause there out of work. Its the economy. Ya just gota keep pushing on. Good luck to those looking for work hang in there something will come up. Oh ya, what he'll is Drew there for dosent do sh;;. He can't even barley help with a Rez I could go on but no.

What's up man? I agree with your point of view. I do. I just get a little flustered when people say that it's the graduates fault for not having a job. It really is the economy and the school really isn't that good of a school. They do a good job of teaching you how to turn on a machine but I think that being a helper is much more effecient then going to the school. Unless you work for a company that requires a vocatioal degree.

Drew did point me to a job. I will give him that and he also helped type up my resume. I like him, personally. But the school puts out this false pretense that it should be no problem finding a job and they pump out a good product. No they do not. Those that became anything put alot of time and extra effort into it. I do believe like you say, that if I would have graduated even 2 years ago. I would be on top of the world right now. That's not the schools fault.

However for anyone reading. Please be not decieved in thinking that when you graduate that school that you will have job offer after job offer and do not believe the little Tulsa Welding School Slogan "If it's going to be, then it's up to me".

That little slogan takes the onus off of the school and the focus off of the fact that all they are and care about is pumping persons through the school. It's a business, that's all it is. When I left, the phase starting after me had more people then machines in the school. How concerned for students and making sure they get a good education is that?

Thanks for the advice. I'm now training for a union. Welding 6 days a week. -SWEET- At the begining I just started welding like crazy, boy it felt so good. If I do it right i'll have more than atleast 4,5, or even more certs. What ever Tulsa Welding School taught me sticked :p. Now i'm reading my puddle, speed, etc. Its nice to see inprovement everyday.

Thanks for all of your insights. I am new to welding and have been thinking about taking it up for a while. I don't have any backround in formal welding but I used to help my dad sauder copper pipes for HVAC and that kind of got me thinking about it.
From what I read, it seems like the general idea is to try to find someone who will train you as a helper first. My question is, does that mean that you have some training, if so, how much training?
I had looked at the Tulsa welding school, but now I'm not so sure if that is what I should do.
Any suggestions??

ya tws is a ripoff. no welding elbows, tees, flanges, etc. for the money you pay they should have that available. no fitting, luckily my uncle has been welding for 40 years and he has helped me there. There is quite a bit of fluxcore and mig on pipe in the real world and they show nothing of the sort. tulsa grinding school is what we called it. when i took my tour, i was told that downhill pipe was the majority so i signed up....3 weeks of it! they need to split it and have a true structural program, stainless and aluminum program and dedicated pipe both asme and api codes. schedule 40 is the only option too. get ready to get your world rocked when you take a 6g boiler test..1" between tubes. The instructors were for the most part excellent.

Well fo the money the school gets you should get more. But after the the two grants I got all I ended up paying was 3,500 for seven months. Not bad at all. A junior college would have taken 2+years and about the same amount of money and not allowed half the practice time. Tulsa is a start that's all.I'm always looking for ways to learn more and improve my skill on the job. Stop learning stop growing your dead in the water. Thanks.

I just graduated from TWS in Jacksonville 2 weeks ago. The job are out there. YOU have to hunt for them. Too many people come out of Tulsa expecting a job in their home town making 30 bucks an hour to fall in their lap, and this doesnt happen. They tell you this when you sign up.

They give graduates a 20 page+ front and back list of shutdowns and job listings every month. ITS UP TO YOU to sell yourself and make the money. In the 2 weeks since graduation I've applies for 10 jobs, and been called to test at 5 of them, knowing that TULSA is my only experience.

Tighten up and quit expecting people to do the work for you.

Beasthunt in Jacksonville, Florida said: Well Alaskamax,

I would hope you all are right. I graduated in October. Graduated with 111% attendance. I missed a total of 3 saturdays the entire time the doors were open and that didn't include all of the morinings I would come in. Ive put my time in and got good marks and great attendance but it seems that everyone wants 3-5 years experience. I had a temp job for a month but now i've been off for a month. I'm hoping I didn't just waste 15k.

15k Jesus that's insane I was there in 94 paid 8k and it was 2 months longer the instructors were good as long as you stayed on their good side admin wasn't as pushy then either as for learning somethingi didn't lbow anything about welding before I went and when I left I knew how to strike an arc and how to walk a cup because that's what they taught I've been out of the game for about 10 or so years and then I come to find out that a lot of the stuff I learned there was bs so of you want to spend that kind of money then be my guest but my opinion is that you can find good schooling without having to pay that kind of money

ive been a 798 hand for 20 years and learned to weld from one the haedest men to ever wear a welding hood schools do not teach you what you need to no in the feild i have worked the pipeline and have worked power houses nukes ive done it all in the welding industry you need to go get in a apprentiship school do your five years and you will be a hand when you turn out

Robert t in Northridge, California said: Thanks for comment It made me question a few things. I will be attending tulsa in Aug.

I say don't I've been there when the school only charged 8 grand now they charge 15k and its 2 months shorter my opinion if your moving out of state try a vocational school like OTC in springfield Missouri I've been to both places and I learned more for a lot less money at OTC hope this helps

fast burn in Gainesville, Florida said: ive been a 798 hand for 20 years and learned to weld from one the haedest men to ever wear a welding hood schools do not teach you what you need to no in the feild i have worked the pipeline and have worked power houses nukes ive done it all in the welding industry you need to go get in a apprentiship school do your five years and you will be a hand when you turn out

amen

Beasthunt in Jacksonville, Florida said: Not a problem. The school is supposedly rated #1 in the nation for welding and you do get some good training. They did get a bunch of new track torch machines and that will clear a bunch of stuff up. Do yourself a favor and come with plenty of money because there are little to no jobs and you won't want a job anyway. The training is fast paced and can be extrememly tough. I'm TIG'in now and i'm putting in 10 hours a day. They have made some changes since I last wrote that post. Sometimes you just have to get on the instructors and remind them you are grown folk. If you are willing to put in the time you will get alot out of it. My time is at 111% and would be somewhere around 180% if they counted all the hours I was there. If you stay in your booth and keep your hood down and sparks flying then you will do really well. I'm hoping it all pays off when I graduate. I will keep you posted.

Look me up when you get in. I should be in phase 8 or 9. Just ask any of the instructors who Greg Hunt is....lol. I've made friends with most of them and most of them are pretty cool.

Well I graduated Jan 29 from the one In Tulsa and I got to say the the school as well as the equipment were in a1 condition I recently got a job offer in Alaska for the pipeline if u have eny questions about how to get headed in that direction reply back

its a good school, i am in there as we speak myself.

If anyone knows of any jobs in the Jacksonville or Ga area I'd love some fielders. I truly would love a teaching positon but after being laid off for 18 months I will need too find work as soon as I finish this course. Im a firm believer that if people would stick togeather and help each other when possible that the rewards are much greater. I am a fitter welder and just need a break other then promises of tomorrow. Obviously the goverment is not concerned if we are out of work and struggling so I will go where the work is even if it means moving my wife and myself too another state.

Dvick91 said: Well I graduated Jan 29 from the one In Tulsa and I got to say the the school as well as the equipment were in a1 condition I recently got a job offer in Alaska for the pipeline if u have eny questions about how to get headed in that direction reply back

Graduated a week ago and still looking.. can i get a contact for Alaska?