my dad has just about all of those. been a fitter/welder/assembler for the past 25 years and can't find stable (or at the moment ANY) work... it's a very small field with limited opportunities here in this area. if you like it go for it, maybe your job market is better!

 

There's nothing where I'm at. Not even having luck getting on with the farmers this year. I'll have to go where there is work. Heard there's some up in ND. Saw an ad for rig welders up there. Some of the mines around Rock Springs, Wy are going to start hiring I guess. I checked into that at the beginning of the year but wasn't much I could do without going and getting an engineering degree first. I'll go to school, and try to find something for work.

 

FordDZLMan9191,
I agree that there isn't allot of work out there right now, but if you can find the right company (traveling roadshow) you would be in the perfect position to do some traveling and make good money.
Do a search in your local area for Pipe or Boiler welders Unions. If you have a Local office, contact them for a possible Apprenticeship program and more options.

 

I used to be a project manager for a structural steel fabrication facility. Many of the fabricators/welders (they had to be able to do both) I hired graduated from Eastern Wyoming Comm. College. Eastern Wyoming College
Most of the grads that we hired were well trained and new their way around the shop. It might be a bit closer to home and less expensive for you to come to WY.
My shop foreman graduated from there about 15 years ago and I'd put his welding against anyone. He furthered his career by obtaining his CWI which keeps him busy on the side. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

If you are still looking for other options for schools, and don't mind traveling, the Hobart welding institute in Troy Oh, is supposed to be outstanding, and I believe that Lincoln also has a training program, but not real sure where it is located. I was all set to go to Hobart, till I got a job fairly locally welding oil tanks, but that was only great for the first year and a half, since then the vast majority of the time I have been laid off. I'm trying to get something going on the side myself, but not having any actuall certifications is going to hurt me I believe, and right now I just need a little more start-up money to get the last few things I need to get going pretty good. It's deffinately tough, but I think with enough effort, you can make it, and be happy with what you're doing. Good luck with picking a school.

 

Sorry its been awhile, just talked with the Financial Aid office at TWS yesterday and it looks like I'm going to be trying to find some work before I go anywhere. A little over 15 grand for their 7 month Master Welder course. I think we figured somewhere in the neighborhood of 9 grand in grants and loans that I can apply for. When you get there, they help you find an apartment and job, but have to bring enough to live on for a few weeks till money starts coming in on a part time job. But afterwards, they help you find a job in whatever it is that you want to go into. Sounds pretty close to what WyoTech told me when I was looking at that, but hopefully TWS's students are a little more happy with the education they received, so if there are any past students of TWS on here, please tell me about your experience. So I guess I am going to have to start looking for work a little harder. Wish my truck was more reliable to drive out to the nearby bigger towns to check on jobs though...

 

I have been a Pipeline welder for almost 20 years. Hooked up with the gas utility out here so work has been constant. I do have to say that I really got tired of laying in holes welding pipe together.. The welding is not any harder but the conditions make for an uncomfortable welding environment. Now I sit in the planning office and put together the jobs for our crews...

I talk to alot of contractors and with the recent down turn they are all looking to find a stable company and shut down their businesses.. Of course when the economy turns they will all quit and go back to making their own money... One of the problems is that alot of the fabrication work is the small stuff.. but on that same note every day worker with a small portable welder is putting fences and railing together for 1/2 the price of a legitimate business person and most contractors are looking to save money in any way they can.

So I guess what I am trying to say is .. It is seasonal and from what I have seen.. if it isn't structural or require a certified welder there are way to many people working under the table doing crappy work cheap. Its a great carreer and has put food on the table and a roof over my head but you have to try and do it for a utility or large company that will be around for your retirement.. You won't get rich but you will be comfortable..