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NewLou
18th Nov 2007, 08:10 PM
Gidday:D

I was thinking how best I could pass on what I'm learning as an Apprentice Welder. N thought i might share the Journey right here. All are welcome to contibute..............

I'd like to create a resource for those young keen blokes n gals that are ready to give this great trade a bit of a go!

I'm often amazed at how often local industry rings up the TAFE pleading for young keen workers wanting to start a welding trade. Its never been a better time to get in and have a go................

In short qualified welders are in high demand N if you've got a bit of talent N get a few 'Tickets' theres big money to be made if your willing to chase the dollars!

As our Teacher said in our 1st Week.............Hang in there fellas if you work hard n are good enough you'll be printing your own money soon!

Weldings a great trade to get behind you I'm hoping that the forum can help you get you on your way and provide some great wisdom as you develop your trade!

Regards Lou:2tsup:

NewLou
18th Nov 2007, 08:37 PM
Our teachers been in the game for over 30 odd years now. A great bloke, Real character and absolute wealth of knowledge. Hes passionate about welding and teaching it...........

I had the pleasure of sitting in his class the other day being told that were the worst bunch a students hes seen in the last 20 years..........

I was the only apprentice that passed our last exam for one simple reason I studied cause im hungery to learn and be the best I can be at my Trade.

The 'boyz' as fun as it is to watch are more interested in being the class clown; Telling each other to &^@%)#*^% OFF! or talk about how good there last lay waz.............. Highly entertaining!

N great skills to learn if u wanna be a comedian....................

But for most who have taken on a laid back " Dont give a stuff attitude" there've failed every exam......... are behind........ n have ticked their bosses of cause there not receiving there "Completion bonus" for their apprentices who are meant to have finished there 1st year as an apprentice!

Those that do well:

Work when its time to work
Listen when its time to listen
N play when its time to play

Remember your at TAFE to learn from Masters willing to pass on valuable information n tricks of the trade to you. So soak up what you can from them!

Heres what I've learn't So far:

Theres no such thing as a silly question In fact the only dumb question is the one you don't ask..............

Go with the flow that your teacher provides. When hes serious n teaching listen......When he jokes join In When he shows U stuff try to copy it to the best of your ability............

A short pencil still beats a long memory.............get yourself a small pad n write stuff down. Anything from welding rig settings to what to turn off 1st Oxy or acetylene is worth scribing down for future reference

Study read your modules n work through em. Read on the Dunny or anywhere/time that works for you...............with a bit of work you'll easily get by.............

You'll find that the teachers know its hard work and I'll break things up a bit with the odd yarn n bit of humor BUT REMEMBER WHEN ITS TIME TO WORK GET IN THERE AND DO THE BEST YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU HAVE AT THE TIME...........................

This creates opportunities for you while the class clowns n idiots fall behind
n miss out on life changing opportunities

Regards Lou :2tsup:

metalfabricator
18th Nov 2007, 10:45 PM
I was a class clown and idiot,but still passed.Make shore you have fun along the way.

Grahame Collins
19th Nov 2007, 08:24 PM
Metalfabricator
Please don't take the following as a personal shot at you because its not. However as a former TAFE teacher-now high school teacher. I do disagree with what you say but for entirely different reasons.

For the guys who think its ok to fool around and impress each other in a class,you are disadvantaging other people beside the teacher.By all means make it fun .Enjoy your learning. But sabotage of a lesson is theft -theft of time.Time cannot be regained once it has been lost.

The student to teacher ratio is far too high as it is. When one of the class class disrupts the learning that ratio shoots up as time is lost and can never be made up. Any amount of of one on one time that the teacher can provide to individual students, is sorely diminished.

Put yourself in somebody else's shoes, particularly those of other students who don't learn too easily. When you, as a struggling student are in a class of immature students who think they are there to do nothing but show off to each other, it can be a very difficult task indeed to get the information that the teacher is trying to get across.

But to the turkeys with the FU attitude it does not seem to matter much.

What Lou describes fits in exactly with what happens presently at school.We as a country are wearing the results of a shift in the way some parts of society thinks and acts.
Some of you would not believe the behavior and attitudes of some of the present students in the vocational classes. That attitude obviously translates straight across to TAFE.

Two thirds of them are there because they have to be at school and don't want to be. Out of two combined classes 34 students, only one them passed all of the units. The tests aren't hard. 8 written tests over 2 years and the rest applied against the prac work. Commitment and effort are needed as well as the requirement to make the prac work meet a set standard.

These are the MEM units which are valid at TAFE.Those who pass all their units can claim about half of 1st year as exemption , meaning they already are considered as passed the units and do not have to resit them. Or pay to do them again.

Bosses however are getting smarter too many will only re reimburse fees for their apprentice , if they are successful in their TAFE exams. I know of quite a few apprentices who have been made to resit exams in their own holidays and pay their own fees as the boss won't cop their slack attitudes any longer.

Do you wonder about the appearance of ads for the 30 year old age group for apprentices and other training.Wonder no more folks. As a rule bosses now want older mature blokes with wait for it -responsibilities-. Hi Lou !

I assume they are doing the right thing by you Lou, wage wise- hopefully you are on at least minimum adult wage?
So for you older blokes out there give the trades a go. There is not much competition.You already have responsibility ,commitment experience and effort sewn up.

Grumpy Grahame
the frustrated teacher

DJ’s Timber
19th Nov 2007, 08:49 PM
Good on you Graham, agree with everything you said. I used to really get off at the class clowns when I did my apprenticeship.

Because of my hearing difficulty due to only having 94% hearing loss in 1 ear and 87% loss in the other ear, it can be hard to follow the teacher when you have a bunch of yahoos hamming it up in the background.

NewLou
22nd Nov 2007, 02:05 PM
Gidday:)

Great comments fellas n really important things to consider.........

Its a bit tough to remember but the world aint a fair place N dispite all the who haaaaa about fairness in the work place n rar rar rar often in the trades its who you know game.

Your reputation and work ethic are really important things to consider. You want to; where ever possible to promote your self as a hard working consistent and punctual worker..............

So where do you start?

I recently had the pleasure of three different potential employers competing to take my on as an apprentice! Why? Because the teachers put in a good word for me & suggeted me to potential employers as a keen apprentice!

I was able to pic n choose where i worked and pic the best employer that would be able meet my learning goals.

How?

I presented as keen. This means cleaning up, sweeping , volunteering to do stuff, requesting to go to extra classes........... what ever i could do to let them know That I was keen reliable and willing to do what ever was asked of me.

You see the Teachers are always watching and taking note of how well you committ and apply yourself. This does not mean you have to be perfect all humans make mistakes.............

What it does mean though is:

Try not to chuck sickies.............
Always be ontime to class (Be punctual)
Get involved and do whats asked of you to the best of your ability!

Your actions speak so If you work hard n get involved you'll get noticed n also let others know that your keen n hard working!!!! A great way to build a good reputation.............and get a start as an apprentice

Regards Lou :2tsup:

wheelinround
22nd Nov 2007, 03:31 PM
Lou to you well done and great to see hope you get ahead don't be held back


Grahame well said :2tsup::2tsup:

WillyInBris
15th Dec 2007, 07:47 PM
Hi Lou,

I have been thinking of starting an apprenticeship as well for the past 6 years but haven't been able to afford it, can you tell me more about what your doing what has been involved.

The wife and I are looking at pulling up roots soon and take the profit from our house and move somewhere like Tamworth and buy a house outright.

This would enable me to start an apprenticeship like you have, the wife is a Nurse so money wouldn't be a problem as she can get work most large towns.

Did you do a pre-apprenticeship program? etc etc etc.
Any Guidance would be appreciated.
Sean

specialist
15th Dec 2007, 10:30 PM
On ya Lou, I finished my boilermaking apprenticeship 20 years ago. I was in the last lot of apprentices that did the 7 week block training once a year for three years, then they changed it to the current system. I never really found out but I probably finished around 3rd or 4th in a class of 12, two of which were sent to other tafes for the last year because they were real clowns.

I fully agree with Graham's comments.

Sean,
I saw on the tv a few night ago that there is a scheme in victoria to get matureage apprenticeships going. The wages were subsidised so as to make it viable for older workers to do it. Maybe it would be worth looking into?

Robert

Grahame Collins
15th Dec 2007, 11:03 PM
Guys
You may find this helps

http://www.training.com.au/portal/site/public/menuitem.92bdf74461b88f80f9fa5a1017a62dbc/

Grahame

NewLou
20th Dec 2007, 05:57 PM
Hey fellas :-)

Sorry I havent replied earlier Willy havent had access to a puta for a while. My advise would be to definatelty do a pre apprenticeship course. For us they crammed 1st year into 18 weeks wich = equivilant too certificate 2.

I highly recommend the pre apprenticeship TAFE course. For me working in heavy construction it has been invaluable.............Has been a godsend half knowing what I have been doing..................

Money works out as an over thirty tradie in 1st year at about 12 bucks an hour. Most places are keen to give overtime so I've been pleasantly suprised at my startup wages that I'll easily allow me to soldier on.............

Feel free to ask any questions am happy to help!

Its never been a better time to do a trade to cut a long story short I had bout 3 places keen to employ me. I picked a great company that specialised in heavy construction but also does a bit of everything including sand blasting and powder coating!

I recommend looking at trying to get employed at a place that I'll expose you to the most skills! I've been using everything from a hand file, broach drill guillo brake press n overhead crane more than enough to satisfy any big boys toys desire.................. and actively practice anything from light sheet metal work to heavy construction!

AT this stage most welding is confined to Mig Work........................

In a nutshell I learn new things every day and am well on my way to becoming a well rounded tradie.............................

Take the leap m8 shes well and truely woth it!

Just remember u gotta do ur time ..........................Amoungst this I've also spent days on the broom & tidying up the workshop all part a building a thirst :-) n character .............


Good luck with the journey!!!!

Regards Lou :-)

Brickie
20th Dec 2007, 06:20 PM
Just seen this thread, good on ya Lou for giving it a go.

I did a similar thing when I was in Ballarart, I had already done an apprenticeship in bricklaying and had been laying for some time, the work died down so I went to night school 2 nights a week for 3 or 4 years (I cant remember which it was.) to get my ticket in pressure plate welding.

Anyway its weld worth doing, even just to edumacate your self. :D

NewLou
28th Dec 2007, 11:15 PM
Gidday :oo:

Those of you that have been around for a while trouncing around on solid cement worksop floors know the importance of looking after ya feet.

I had no concept of footcare until the daily ritual of feeling as though I'd been walking on a bed a nails finally convinced me to start looking after my hoves...........

Although U young blokes might remain immune for a while new over 30 apprentices are bound to come up against this one sooner rather than later...........

I was lucky to get some great advise from forumites here:

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=63131

I finally went with steel blue portlands that are simply foot heaven compared to the cheap and nasties I was wearing. I'll keep readers posted on how well they hold up in busy workshop conditions...........

REgards Lou :2tsup:

NewLou
30th Dec 2007, 11:30 AM
Gidday:D

As part of a team in a fairly large workshop I've observed that you'll see 2 camps in action.

Those that take pride in their work and do things to exacting standards and those that take short cuts with a near enough is good enough attitude.................

Heres a few tips that have really helped me stay on track and work towards achieving my goals............

1. Always use your PPE gear n for god sake wear safety glasses n ear plugs (Yes that means all the time)

2. Dont tack up or do small runs without your helmet theres no need to do this but unfortunately is commonplace amoungst some in the fab shop

3. Take your time learning the art of marking out and develop an efficient system that works for you. I have found the following tools invaluable:

A good quality combination square
A good quality square
Quality 10mm & 30mm Rule
A Quality Tape MEasure (10meter)
A quality chalk line (Essential for layouts)
A well prepped scribe
The range of Veritas MArking out tools (eg: Saddle square increases speed dramatically)
Trammels
A calculator

I use a majority of these items every day remember the more you practice the system u choose to develop the quicker it will become second nature to u...........

4. Practice the art of plan interpretation this is to date my weakest skill that I have difficulty with. Some are naturals at this kinda stuff. Unfortunately for me Im a real hacker that easily gets confused attempting to read detailed plans.............The good news is this is a skill that can be developed prictice practice practice

5. TAke your time (Initially quality is more important than speed) measure twice cut once ;-) and listen to what the old timers have to say to u ............... there telling you stuff for a reason which usually equates to the most practical quickest economical way of doing things

Regards Lou :2tsup:

Harry72
20th Feb 2008, 10:43 PM
Hey Lou hows the change of life going mate?

Grahame Collins
20th Feb 2008, 11:51 PM
Quality 10mm & 30mm Rule

Must be fiddly to hold and to mark out with then ?
Next thing you be hanging out with the fitters.

Cheers'
Grahame

NewLou
23rd Feb 2008, 11:17 AM
Must be fiddly to hold and to mark out with then ?
Next thing you be hanging out with the fitters.

Cheers'
Grahame

HA! just picked it up now to eat some humble pie and re post:

Quality 150mm & 300mm rules :2tsup:

Hey Harry!

Things have been going really well! BUT Is not always Gravy. Not all jobs are dream or glamor jobs and are about persistence consistency and a good positive attitude.

I've been working with 3rd year n 4th year apprentices on this maintenance job that includes cutting in confined spaces(4. 1/2 inch grinder) and lube work.

Were working under rail tracks sliding around in the slush on mechanics trolleys at a cement factory theres nothing fun about it & its dangerous dirty work.............

When your doing these kinds a jobs Its just about being consistent and hanging in there till the jobs done theres about 10 rails as long as the ones pictured we have to work through. I'll be glad when shes over..........

REgards Lou:wink:

Grahame Collins
23rd Feb 2008, 10:12 PM
Lou,
If I ate humble pie every time I made a typo I would have to buy a bakery.
By the way thats a great shot of the steel blue safety boots.
I just got the lace in zips for mine.

I have to change boots between classes and like to be quick about it.

There is a crappier place than a cement works though. Wait to you fab in a tannery. I went without lunch for a few days.What crap places peeeyuuu!
Grahame

NewLou
23rd Feb 2008, 10:22 PM
Lou,
If I ate humble pie every time I made a typo I would have to buy a bakery.
By the way thats a great shot of the steel blue safety boots.
I just got the lace in zips for mine.

I have to change boots between classes and like to be quick about it.

There is a crappier place than a cement works though. Wait to you fab in a tannery. I went without lunch for a few days.What crap places peeeyuuu!
Grahame

YEah we get all the great jobs :wink: Im sure you'll find the steel blues apples grahame once I got mine setup right has been like walking on clouds. Next jobs 40 holes on the broach drill!

The foreman loves getting me to do finicky stuff cause he reckons Im kind to all our toys when im on the tools. I'll be using a 60mm broach n at $490 a pop will be taking it real easy..............Needless to say will be using a shitload a lube n a gentle hand:oo:

Regards Lou :D

Woodlee
24th Feb 2008, 07:39 PM
Lou,
If I ate humble pie every time I made a typo I would have to buy a bakery.
By the way thats a great shot of the steel blue safety boots.
I just got the lace in zips for mine.

I have to change boots between classes and like to be quick about it.

There is a crappier place than a cement works though. Wait to you fab in a tannery. I went without lunch for a few days.What crap places peeeyuuu!
Grahame

Never worked in a tannery but I worked as a contract maintenance fitter / welder at a meat works for a Christmas shut down at Nourlunga in SA .
Meat works get my vote for the worst place to do welding and cutting ,especially where they dump all the waste meat and gore to process for blood and bone.
The auger in the conveyor dosen't get all the stuff out of the corners.

The stink is indescribable and nauseating and it permeates your clothing , getting home on the bus you get to sit by yourself.

Kev

NewLou
1st Mar 2008, 01:07 PM
Theres nothing like having a great theoretical background so u can understand what ur doing and why. This saves time helps u problem solve and become more efficient.....................the boss will also love ya if he can see u know what ur on about!

I'm always scouring the net looking for resources and was pleasantly surprised when I came across this Aussie site :2tsup:

http://metal.brightcookie.com/index.htm

Highly recommended stuff and well worth working through !

REgards Lou :D

Grahame Collins
2nd Mar 2008, 09:33 AM
Hi Lou
Fantastic link mate, a little ripper.

Guess who is going to use it with a particular group of young gentlemen in the very near future.

Thats gotta be worth a greenie.
Grahame

NewLou
5th Apr 2008, 11:57 PM
Gidday :D

Have been a bit quiet in the workshop lately so weve had a free reign on being able to do practice welds playing with our various rigs and practicing the "ART" of setting up a Mig welder to optimum setting............lots a floor sweeping n a bit of maintenance.

I was lucky enough to be able to talk the shop foreman into letting me make myself a good workcart. Essentially a 700mm * 600mm trolley on wheels designed to carry all my wares round the shop with me.

This lead me to thinking the other day about how prone I am to wasting time mucking round looking 4 tools grabbing gloves loosing helmets finding them leaving angle grinders in weird places n the like.

I've discovered that IF I can "setup" all my essential gear within arms length I tend to spend most of my time economically fabricating and pumping out drawings a lot quicker than when I'm unorganized n chasing tools loosing tape measures n the like...........

Heres a few things Im starting to learn from our guns in the fabshop:

1. Yes they do say measure twice cut once for a reason
2. TRy to setup your most used gear where ever possible within arms length
3. Periodically have a yarn to and checkout the 'setup' the fabshop guns are using on there welders. U can learn in 5 minutes what might take u a month or longer to work out 4 yourself.
4. To begin with Try to learn 3 standard settings on your Mig for light medium and heavy fabrication situations. This gives you a starting point to attack whatever the job is at hand.
5. It depends on the kind of work your doing BUT in structural steel work n heavy construction. Ur not expected to produce dead accurate results meaning u often have a 2 mil tolerance......................Develop processes that reduce mucking around with measuring and marking out tasks.

Would love to get a few thoughts from forumites on what u guys found works for U particularly when it comes to working fast and economically..........

Regards Lou :2tsup:

Uncle Bob
6th Apr 2008, 09:25 AM
Gidday :D

1. Yes they do say measure twice cut once for a reason


Lol. We used to have another saying for the times we didn't follow rule number 1
"There's pretty more material in the rack" :)

kellya01
13th Apr 2008, 08:24 PM
Gidday :D

Have been a bit quiet in the workshop lately so weve had a free reign on being able to do practice welds playing with our various rigs and practicing the "ART" of setting up a Mig welder to optimum setting............lots a floor sweeping n a bit of maintenance.

I was lucky enough to be able to talk the shop foreman into letting me make myself a good workcart. Essentially a 700mm * 600mm trolley on wheels designed to carry all my wares round the shop with me.

This lead me to thinking the other day about how prone I am to wasting time mucking round looking 4 tools grabbing gloves loosing helmets finding them leaving angle grinders in weird places n the like.

I've discovered that IF I can "setup" all my essential gear within arms length I tend to spend most of my time economically fabricating and pumping out drawings a lot quicker than when I'm unorganized n chasing tools loosing tape measures n the like...........

Heres a few things Im starting to learn from our guns in the fabshop:

1. Yes they do say measure twice cut once for a reason
2. TRy to setup your most used gear where ever possible within arms length
3. Periodically have a yarn to and checkout the 'setup' the fabshop guns are using on there welders. U can learn in 5 minutes what might take u a month or longer to work out 4 yourself.
4. To begin with Try to learn 3 standard settings on your Mig for light medium and heavy fabrication situations. This gives you a starting point to attack whatever the job is at hand.
5. It depends on the kind of work your doing BUT in structural steel work n heavy construction. Ur not expected to produce dead accurate results meaning u often have a 2 mil tolerance......................Develop processes that reduce mucking around with measuring and marking out tasks.

Would love to get a few thoughts from forumites on what u guys found works for U particularly when it comes to working fast and economically..........

Regards Lou :2tsup:
great thread so far. got any pics of the cart you made up?
cheers,

StartedwithaTIG
14th Apr 2008, 06:10 PM
Howdy Lou,

Wanna say thanks for your post, sometimes when you are making a change in your life you need some words of encouragement. I am 32 and have got the welding bug. I was introduced to welding by an old bloke who's been in the game for ages, now im at Tafe trying to get my Ticket 7 and then 4 later on.

I have two kids and looking for a apprenticeship is a little out of the question. I am just about to purchase a welder so i can practice my ass off. Welding is all about practice and as you said listening to older experienced people.

So i have been at TAFE for less than a month now, I have never welded before but i have always been good with my hands. I just got my self a good helmet (auto darkening) and im just about to buy an esseti welder (just dc inverter). At this stage I guess im looking for some inspiration or some advice on how to takle the next part of the journey. Im really trying hard not to discourage my self with negativity.

Comming from an IT career metal fabrication is like another planet, but a good planet. Something about creating or making something with tools and your own hands thats really satisfying. I enjoy doing the TIG stuff and I guess that leads to pipe welding and more precise work.

I would appreciate any helpfull advice.

Cheers.:2tsup:

Uncle Bob
14th Apr 2008, 08:08 PM
Comming from an IT career metal fabrication is like another planet, but a good planet. Something about creating or making something with tools and your own hands thats really satisfying.

Welcome to the forums mate.
I done exactly the opposite and boy do I miss being a fabricator.
Anyhow being 32 is not too old to get an apprenticeship. You sound keen and I'm sure someone would see you're keen and take you on. Sure the money might suck at first though you could subsidise it with a part time job (say doing a night shift at the servo or something) till you get good money coming in. Night school might be bit of a bummer too (if they still do it).
All the best with whatever you decide to do for the future!

NewLou
14th Apr 2008, 10:34 PM
great thread so far. got any pics of the cart you made up?
cheers,

Gidday Kell .............................Took a few specially 4 u Today! Nothing fancy just thrown together from scrap between jobs.

Must say Im quicker since I started using her and havent been chasing tools since!

Make sure to post yours here when shes done too :2tsup:

REgards Lou

NewLou
14th Apr 2008, 10:47 PM
Howdy Lou,..................I would appreciate any helpfull advice.

Cheers.:2tsup:


Gidday m8

Yeah just goes to show its all a journey!

My advise would be to go for it................And practice practice practice! Theres money to be made as a tradie these days N fabricators n Quality 1st Class Welders are in demand!

I've heard it said you can teach a Monkey to weld and that its a mugs game rar rar rar ................ Theres a difference between welding and welding properly! :doh:

Its an Art my friend!.................... and a continual journey of learning and application. Try to get in Good habits early N if u really want to become a tigkid PM me your address N I'll send you a Great little Video on Tigin:2tsup:

............Good luck with it all n heres to hangin round you'll get all the best advise in the world right here from 'OUR COMMUNITY" :D

Regards Lou :D

StartedwithaTIG
15th Apr 2008, 03:22 PM
Hi everyone,

you know the first thing that struck me when first investigating the welding industry, was the community. There is a real sense of belonging to something. And if you think about the welding industry is quite old, and its very important.
Im very excited now as im going to buy my very first welder. I think i got a bargain, an esseti 150 dc inverter (not the one with HF), almost new, with all the leads, the 15amp to 10 amp converter, grinder and disks, good regulator, tungstens, clamps , gloves, filler rods (stainless), also the torch is one of those ones where you can move it around into any position, also the original stainless case oh yeah and trolley. All this for $700. This guy also sold me his Miller elite helmet (the one with all the skulls) brand new for $260. I think his wife took him to the cleaners and his trying to sell everything. What do you guys think about Esseti tig welders?

Thanks Newlou for your words, it really helps when you step far far away from your comfort zone to know that alot of people do change careers at 30+ and come out on top. The I.T. industry which im in now, is really boring me to tears, I still love computers but after 8 years its really taking its toll. If i have to sit in an office for another year im going to go stir crazy. But dont get me wrong I can see and know its going to be hard work, but thats what i need, im striving to work hard and make decent money and at the end of the day have a feeling of accomplishment. Thats the thing about this industry there are no delusions its simple, work hard and smart and you will get good rewards.

lets see how it all works out .............:cool:

OzJohn
8th May 2008, 09:08 PM
The I.T. industry which im in now, is really boring me to tears, I still love computers but after 8 years its really taking its toll.... im striving to work hard and make decent money and at the end of the day have a feeling of accomplishment.


Congratulations on your change of careers into a trade... great move, but isn't the average wage in the IT industry somewhere between $70k to $80k??
Wouldn't you be better off financially staying in IT, rather than working on $250 per week apprentice wages? ($500 a week if an adult apprenticeship)

By the way... i admire the courage of anyone willing to change careers later in life and do an apprenticeship!! :2tsup:

StartedwithaTIG
9th May 2008, 11:43 AM
Hi OzJohn,

"but isn't the average wage in the IT industry somewhere between $70k to $80k??", Im going to have to show this one to my boss. I think those commercials telling people they can earn that much once they compleat there 10k or 20k training courses is a bit of a wank.

Dont get me wrong I love technology and use it all the time, its a great way to get knowledge and to have fun, but I need to be happy and fullfilled in my career. I can spend weeks at work doing nothing (sitting down on the laptop and just fixing issues installing software ext...) and the end of the day, I feel as if im wasting my life.
Nothing makes me happier than building or making something with tools and my hands.
The guy in the last post that built that boat, he sounds happy, Newlou built some carts and takes pictures and is proud of what he built, Grahame Collins is making some DVD's about his trade because he wants to share his knowledge and make sure people do things rite. That passion, excitement, job satisfaction (although I know you cant have that all the time at work) is what I want, and have a gut feeling that ill be getting into it somehow, soon enough.:wink:

Thanks for your encouragment, sometimes its really needed.
Sorry Lou i hope im not pinching your thread. :doh:

OzJohn
9th May 2008, 08:07 PM
Hi StartedwithaTIG,



I think those commercials telling people they can earn that much once they compleat there 10k or 20k training courses is a bit of a wank.
Haha, i was actually looking into one of them... lucky i didnt sign up!

I am 100% with you that a trade has a lot more job satisfaction than many other professions, thats why not long ago i decided to drop out of Uni and an accounting job to become an apprentice electrician (with a whopping pay cut)!! :doh:

I would highly encourage anyone else in a similar situation to consider doing the same!

By the way Lou, your apprentice journey is a great read, and you can have your thread back now!! :D

NewLou
15th Nov 2008, 11:07 PM
Gidday :-)

Been a while since I updated this thread or added some new resources. Is hard to believe that ive almost finished my first year as an apprentice Welder/Fabricator................whoooooo hooooooo should be getting a payrise soon!!!!

If theres one thing ive learnt welding properly is certainly an art in itself that requires constant practice and application. Practice practice practice and striving to understand and learn what your doing and why certainly helps u stay on top of things.

Heres some more excellent video resources that Ive found invaluable and well worth a look if your keen to learn about Welding. Although these are American resources I must say Ive found them particularly handy N in particuarly really respect and appreciate what MD Trend is trying to achieve in his "Behind the Lens" welding series!

Hope you guys get as much from these resources as i have!

KD Trend Behind the Lens Welding Series
http://au.youtube.com/profile?user=mdtread&view=videos

Tonys Welding Series
http://www.tonywelding.com/2008/04/tonys-welding-series-welding-videos_5309.html

REgards Lou :2tsup:

NewLou
29th Dec 2008, 10:38 PM
Im now a second year apprentice Whooooooooo Hooooooo!

Regards Lou :D:D:D:D:D

RufflyRustic
29th Dec 2008, 10:54 PM
Congrats Lou !! :2tsup::):2tsup:

pheonix122973
16th Jan 2009, 01:45 PM
hey Lou - love your work buddy - your an inspiration......just started this forum and read yours and everybody elses threads. What you guys have said about the students who arent there to learn is so true. They just waste a valuable resource and dont aprreciate what they have in their hands - a chance to make a living and earn big bucks - welding a great occupation but you have to enjoy doing it. If you dont want to do it, leave and give someone else a shot at it.

We need to chance our thinking in terms of eduaction and training - we need to do this otherwise we will keep getting foreigners taking our basic jobs. And we are to blame, not the skilled migrants who wanna work and earn a living. If we dont really wanna work and wonder why skilled migrants keep coming to our shores, then get on the dole.

So many times at trade school, there would be those guys who dont give a damn and clown around. Sure you can have fun but you are there to learn to weld and not muck around - employers do us a favour by letting us go to trade school and they take a great risk - they pay for your fees (mine did) and we can walk out of that job with skills which can earn us big bucks. Welders are in high demand.

Great to see your journey and great that you can inspire others to have a look at this as a trade option - welding is fantastic - sure its not all fun and games but its what you make of it.

Cheers

NewLou
11th Aug 2009, 06:45 PM
Gidday :)

Been plugging away in the FAbshop lately N is great to see that things are starting to come together I'd be lying if i said the learning curb hasnt been a bit steep but a bit a hard work n constant practice n application goes a long way.

In saying this I cant count the amount a times Ive miss cut.......... F*$&#$ Up............. N stuffed up.............. reading plans having to re do jobs to get it right. IF theres 1 thing ive struggled with its been reading plans if theres another thing Ive learnt every one F(&$^ Up from time to time even the FAbshop guns...............

As a fabricator all the drawings I come across are section views a Section View is a cut-through view of the object, usually an imaginary view that shows how something will be built. All being well your drawing will give you all the information u need to make the job if not the best thing you can do is 'ASk Someone' to help clarify what u cant understand or get information needed to do a good job.

ASk your boss n he'll tell you he'd much rather you ask than mess a job up cause u didnt have all the information u needed or couldnt understand something! If it saves him time n money rest assured it'll save you hassles!!!!!!!

When reading workshop drawings its easy to fall into the trap of looking at the entire page of Words lines drawings n symbols and getting overwhealmed at this point its easy for your brain to shut down n make it hard for yourself by saying (or thinking) things like 'i cant do this'..............

Just remember if you tried to read an entire page all at once the same thing is likely to happen............The way around this is to calm down, start at one corner and begin figuring out what you can learn from the drawing one step at a time!

Whats worked for me is developing a procedure N taking my time too read rather than just look at the drawing at HAnd. Heres whats working for me"

1. Start from the left and read the drawing one bit at a time so that you can take in all the information that the drawing is trying to convey to you.

2. Never assume anything about the drawing attempt to take note of all the details "Read it' dont just 'Look at it' and try to visualise the job as you understand the information given to you

3. TAke note of any abbreviations or construction details for example:
OA: Over all Length
CL: Cut length
6mm fillets all round

And ensure to apply these to the job at HAnd

4. Measure twice CUT ONCE! (Geeeeezzzzzzz I wish i could remember this one :doh:)
5. IF its a critical or expensive job get a workm8 to run the tape over it (NEver hurts for a second set of eyes to check your work)

6. If your not sure ask someone!!!!!!! A dint in the pride lasts a microsecond upsetting the boss cause of a silly mistake can cause hassles!!!!!!!!

Needless to say consistantly practicing these things has helped my plan reading come along Nicely N the great thing to remember is that if you practice these things enough it becomes second Nature!

Heres some great resources ive come across thats also helped with my plan reading:

http://www.constructionknowledge.net/public_domain_documents/Div_6_Woods_Plastics/Carpentry%20Army%20FM%205-426%201995.pdf

http://www.constructionknowledge.net/public_domain_documents/Div_1_General/Basic_Skills/Blueprint%20Reading%20NAVEDTRA%2014040%201994.pdf

Regards Lou :2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

.RC.
11th Aug 2009, 08:20 PM
Gidday :)


4. Measure twice CUT ONCE! (Geeeeezzzzzzz I wish i could remember this one :doh:)



But I cut it twice and it's still too short... :U

lovedirt
13th Aug 2009, 10:31 AM
Hi Lou,

I've been lurking on the forums for a while but your thread piqued my interest and I had to post and say thanks for sharing :)

I'm a 24 year old female moving from the fitness industry into welding and its definitely been an eye opener! I'll be reading your thread with interest, keep up the good work and good luck with your journey :)

Grahame Collins
13th Aug 2009, 07:18 PM
Hi lovedirt
welcome to forum
Good on Yer! and congratulations
for moving into the trade ,

I have had involvement with a couple of young ladies in metalfab vocational training and by and large found them to be better focused on their studies than many of the lads.
In the workshop there were often better organised and had a better approach and temperament to the difficult bits that require a bit of thinking the job out.

Get in there and ask questions when you are not sure.

cheers
Grahame

lovedirt
13th Aug 2009, 10:12 PM
Thanks Grahame :)

I'm doing a pre-vocational course (Cert II Auto/Metal Fab) which is usually 2 days a week for a 12 month period, but because I was enrolled mid-year I am doing it all a bit backwards. I've set myself a bit of a challenge to get the year's worth of work done in one semester so I can try for a mature-aged apprenticeship early next year.

I'd never really been in a workshop environment (besides ag college) before tafe so I've been pestering my poor teacher with lots of very basic questions! I've taken on two extra night classes and have to do 400 hours of work experience in industry - by the time I find an apprenticeship I'll have a sound understanding of how it all works (hopefully anyway!).

I've just caught up to the others doing vertical up fillets on the mig so I'll probably end up posting a few silly questions on the forums here and there :B Overheads after that, eek :oo:

Thanks again for the friendly welcome :)

BenM78
14th Aug 2009, 09:07 AM
I am 31 and am into my second year as an apprentice light/general fabricator. If you are over 30 the government pays an additional $150 a week in wage top up support which on top of the award takes you to about $16.50 an hour which is bearable. I have 2 kids, one is 2 and the other is 4 1/2 months, so my wife is currently on maternity leave. Second year award is about $17.40 with the wage top up and then of course your employer doesn't have to pay you the minimum which is where I am lucky and I can afford to live on an 'apprentice' wage single income family.

I originally was working in the finance industry and as everyone in that industry knows - redundancy is always around the corner! So I prepared myself for this eventuality by attending tafe night classes to learn as much about fitting as I could, I even ended up buying a Hafco 12x36 bench lathe!

Welding didn't really interest me as I saw it as hot noisy dirty work, When I finally had my redundancy handed to me I started working on getting a fitting apprenticeship, no luck after several months and I saw a job advertised for a sheetmetal worker/welder and made a call. After speaking with the HR people I applied and subsequently got the job. When I turned 30 I signed up to an apprenticeship. Hot, noisy, dirty? Not really, no more than fitting. Yesterday for example I was fusing 3mm 316 to 1.6 304, and then later welded 12x6mm flat copper bar to each other to use as electrical terminations. We have a pretty decent lathe at work and I get called on frequently to do any more technical type machining.

If you want to take on a trade after white collar work, it can be manageable especially if you live in more regional areas, although half my take home pay goes on rent currently! Just do it, you'll be better off mentally over your life than the stress and pressure you see in an office. Best thing I ever did was get into manufacturing.

NewLou
20th Sep 2009, 03:00 PM
Gidday :D

Heres a little GEm I just came across that I couldnt resist adding Ive done a lot of production runs lately N youd be suprised how much work u can save by being conscious of these kinds of ideas:

Regards Lou :2tsup:

NewLou
28th Mar 2010, 10:08 PM
Another couple of Little Gems that can help out with angle positioning and stick setup please note the settings are for firesticks (Cellulose electrodes) doing rootruns on pipe !!!!

REgards Lou :2tsup:

NewLou
23rd May 2010, 03:27 PM
Gidday :D

One of the true dark arts of the welding game is learning how to flame straighten all manner of steel sections. Its a skill passed down from the 'collective knowledge' of the workshop and is an 'ART' all apprentices have to master......................

Most often the 'old boys' in the workshop i'll take great pleasure in teaching and passing down the best way to go about straightening a bent beam or other such steel sections after welding...........or the result of some kind of damage.

N is pretty much something your expected to be able to do in most circumstances by 3rd year as an apprentice...........

Ive had good runs n dam right painstaking times trying to straighten beams after welding. Its one of those arts that you develop with time and experience n those of you who've done it ill relate to the joys of success and those times when steel just seemingly dosen't want to do what its told............

Heres a great article that i stumbled across that really helped my flame straightening skills come along in leaps and bounds.

Guide for Heat-Straightening of Damaged Steel Bridge Members - Integrated - Bridge - FHWA (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/steel/index.cfm)

Certainly dosen't beat the experience of an 'old hand' but helps kick you along with the basics and gives you a point of reference to start from!

Regards Lou :2tsup:

UglyDan
25th May 2010, 01:22 AM
Thanks Lou, that link was very informative. I was curious, are there any books you would recommend to anyone starting out?

Cheers

UglyDan

NewLou
25th May 2010, 07:17 PM
Gidday Dan :D

No books to recommend to date Ive found most books pretty dry technical and sprayed with a lot of information I dont need............they also tend to cost a fortune!

Lucky for us theres some great resources right here on the internet!

Heres some of my personal favorites:

Welding Tips and Tricks - TIG, MIG, Stick and a pantload of other info (http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/)
Sheet metal fabrication news, rss, downloads, tutorials (http://www.sheetmetalworld.com/)
TheFabricator (http://www.thefabricator.com/)
Welding-Plan Advice and Practical Solutions for welders... (http://www.welding-advisers.com/index.html)
Miller - Welding Equipment - MIG/TIG/Stick Welders & Plasma Cutting (http://www.millerwelds.com/)
Hobart Welders (http://www.hobartwelders.com/)
http://weldingweb.com/index.php

Also theres some excellent Welding stuff on UTube its well worth having a look around I can remember being awe struck by watching some gun tig welders walking the cup 4 the 1st time.....................Amazing stuff!!!!!

Regards Lou :2tsup:

Gerbilsquasher
27th May 2010, 09:22 PM
Good to see a lot of enthusiasm for the metal trades from both new and old tradespersons alike!

I spent some time at uni and ended up with a degree no employer wanted, spent some time in food transport, which paid the bills (quite well actually) but engineering had always been my passion. I had an offer to become a welder/fabricator and I took it.

My love of welding started when I was rebuilding a HK Holden and instead of following the quick and lovely fibreglass & bog approach to rust repairs I bought myself a little Transmig 135 and replaced the rust with steel instead. The projects got bigger and better from there.

I moved on from the first enginnering company to another after the first closed down, and I was constantly frustrated that my wages were half that of the so called 'tradesmen', especially after they told me stories of their trade school experiences - which they treated as boozy holidays from work, drinking to 3am, sleeping in their clothes and pulling on their boots at 6am to go to TAFE. These so called tradesmen would then come to me figure out their problems or interpret drawings.

Finally a lot of my self-taught talent was recognised and I have been a CAD/CAM programmer for the last seven years- some would say tradesperson's dream- but the reality is that it is another mundane desk job.

I started going to TAFE about five years ago (at age 33) and now I have a diploma in engineering as well as several qualifications in welding. The TAFE welding instructors (one in particular) practically begged me back to take it further, he thought I was so good.

My ultimate goal was to get out of programming and get back on the tools as a welder but through a strange twist of fate my back #### itself and since I have had surgery I have to watch myself, but my current employer heard my frustration about wanting to leave so he hired another programmer, sacked the production manager (who appeared to have plans for ruthless world domination:wink:) and gave me his job!

The moral of the story: employers (the good ones) recognise diversity of talent and if you have changed from another career to become a welder will you stand out from the crowd, and the opportunities will be many and varied. You will be seen to have more drive, flexibility and willingness to learn.

At very least, you will be making choices about your own destiny which a huge portion of the human race seem incabable, and follow the careers that they have fallen into by accident, like a stylus in the groove of a record. Those dickheads in your trade classes fall into this catagory.

To those girls trying to get into the trade- you go girl! Real feminism (ie equality) starts in the work shop, and all you blokes should do your best to make them feel welcome. A much better idea than this 'politically correct reverse discrimination' that sends women directly to management that has existed for the last decade or so. Let us not forget that women built many of the tanks, planes etc that allowed us to speak (type) English today.:)

old mate
28th May 2010, 05:03 PM
all good lou but remember, " those who can, do. those who can't, teach." You will do well if you keep your attitude and ethics with you out in the field and learn a few tricks from the old boilys in the real world....good on ya for telling it like it is and all the best. old mate.

NewLou
4th Dec 2010, 06:29 PM
Yiiiiippppppeeeeeeee :cool:

Ive officially just completed 3rd year and all my TAFE! Thx to all that have helped me out along the way is a great feeling being on the downhill run..........................

Heres a great Welding related resource page that ive found really handy from time to time:

Welding and Joining Resources: Types of Welding, History and Welding School Directories (http://www.khake.com/page89.html)

So I guess the next step is to start thinking about where to from here???

At this stage ive decided to focus on developing my Tig and Stick skills further N not to far down the track go for my pressure tickets!

Its time to start thinking about how to make some cash :U lol n lots of it!!!!! Must admit i certainly aint gonna miss apprentice wages!!!!!

Regards Lou :2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

BobL
4th Dec 2010, 11:21 PM
Yiiiiippppppeeeeeeee :cool:

Ive officially just completed 3rd year and all my TAFE! Thx to all that have helped me out along the way is a great feeling being on the downhill run..........................


Onya Lou!

Lignum
4th Dec 2010, 11:31 PM
Yiiiiippppppeeeeeeee :cool:

Ive officially just completed 3rd year and all my TAFE! Thx to all that have helped me out along the way is a great feeling being on the downhill run..........................



Great news Lou. I remember when you started and you got rid of alot of woodwork tools. I hated that, but it looks as though it has worked out fantastic for you. Well done. :2tsup:

NewLou
4th Dec 2010, 11:52 PM
Great news Lou. I remember when you started and you got rid of alot of woodwork tools. I hated that, but it looks as though it has worked out fantastic for you. Well done. :2tsup:

Thx Lignum

Miss hanging out with you guys in the Woodies section but once im back on my feet cant wait to get a bunch a new tools finish my workbench n get back into it. Was hard selling all my gear but was able to get a great little tig welder with the proceeds thats allowed me to really develop some skills...........................

..........................................Almost there !!!!!

Regards Lou :2tsup:

UglyDan
13th Dec 2010, 10:24 AM
Hey NewLou,

Been reading your threads for awhile now, so thanks for sharing, i reacon a few of us picked up some great info.

Well done on completing TAFE! Must feel great:2tsup:

NewLou
15th Dec 2011, 11:46 PM
Well Its official

The boss signed me off last week..................

Ive become a Tradie (Scary thought huh) and officially finished my apprenticeship!!!!!!!!!!!

Whoooooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooooo!

A big thanks to all the well wishers n mentors along the way it all helps

Regards

Lou :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Pat
16th Dec 2011, 05:43 AM
Well Done Lou!

Grahame Collins
16th Dec 2011, 07:43 AM
Congratulations Lou,

I can only wish that more young apprentices will be as interested and conscientious about their chosen trade, as you are.

Well done Mate!

Grahame

BobL
16th Dec 2011, 11:04 AM
Onya Lou!

Gaza
16th Dec 2011, 06:14 PM
wow the last few years went quick,

have a nice new year with the pay rise

UglyDan
19th Dec 2011, 11:15 PM
Thats fantastic news! Well done Lou :2tsup:

Cheers

Lignum
20th Dec 2011, 12:40 AM
Well Its official

The boss signed me off last week..................

Ive become a Tradie (Scary thought huh) and officially finished my apprenticeship!!!!!!!!!!!

Whoooooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooooo!

A big thanks to all the well wishers n mentors along the way it all helps

Regards

Lou

Amazing how time has passed. Well dome Lou:2tsup:

Now that its all over you can sell all the metalwork crap and get back to woodworking:wink::D