Calling all welders

[MrGman]

I’ve been in my current employment for over 20 years now and as much as it’s a great position with lots of benefits I keep looking at new ventures.

My current role has included a reasonable amount of fabrication and welding over the years, MIG/TIG steel and aluminium. This is something I really enjoy so it seems a logical route to look at, I don’t currently have any qualifications in it though.

I’ve enquired about some courses but there are so many fields of welding I’m not sure what direction I would want to take, MIG TIG Stick. The courses I’ve been looking at covers MIG TIG Stick to level 2, I guess I’m just looking for some advice from people in the field as to what routes are out there, where the work is, where the money is, what qualifications would make me desirable to employers etc?
I’ve worked in the same building for 20+ years so a role that takes me out and about appeals but I’m aware the novelty might wear off, I don’t mind the heat or getting grubby so I’m not necessarily looking for something in a clean workshop etc, I’m 42 and physically fit and active so jobs that are in awkward places wouldn’t be an issue (thinking construction maybe?)

Any advice or insight greatly appreciated

[Gas1883]

I did it for a few years on & off when we were short of work on the machines ( universal grinder ) , even with the welding helmet & air pack I ended up with a black face at the end of the shift , I enjoyed it but not sure it’s a good job health wise , especially if like I was , welding for 12 hrs per shift .

[Gas1883]

I did it for a few years on & off when we were short of work on the machines ( universal grinder ) , even with the welding helmet & air pack I ended up with a black face at the end of the shift , I enjoyed it but not sure it’s a good job health wise , especially if like I was , welding for 12 hrs per shift .

[TGCOTF-dewey]

I'd get certified to nuclear welding standards.

It's probably where the best money is to be made at the moment with AUKUS, dreadnought, and HPC / SZC plants on the go. International needs too if you fancy some time abroad.

Also, there is the opportunity to re-train into NDT/NDA work if you get bored of welding later in life.

[ChevronB19]

TGCOTF-dewey said:

I'd get certified to nuclear welding standards.

It's probably where the best money is to be made at the moment with AUKUS, dreadnought, and HPC / SZC plants on the go. International needs too if you fancy some time abroad.

Also, there is the opportunity to re-train into NDT/NDA work if you get bored of welding later in life.

Absolutely 100% this, plus there is a great career path into management etc if you want. As well as the examples given above, decommissioning can also involve an awful lot of extreme high spec welding.