Can I be employed with a level 1 C&G in MIG welding?

[Feevah]

Hi guys I was currently working on my level 1 C&G in MIG Welding, I am wondering if I can get employed in the trade with my level 1 NVQ, or do I need to complete my level 2 or even 3 before I can get employed. I have asked my tutors but they don't seem to give me a clear answer. Any information on this would be a great help
Thanks
Joe

 

[James1979]

Hi Joe

welcome to the forum. Someone who employs guys will be along to answer I’m sure, but it’ll depend on what you are going to be doing in the job I think.

I’ve no formal welding papers other than being signed off in various places I’ve worked by means of destructive and non destructive testing, and some marine stuff, and I’ve had some good jobs. Some of that was just knowing the right folk, other was doing the weld test and passing it.

I think you’ll find something with a level 1. On paper you’re more qualified than me, to a point you may find it better to stay on and progress to the next level. If it was me and the training is free, then stay and get as much as you can. Once you leave it’s hard to get back into funded training.

there are a few trainers on here too so they may be able to assist.

where do you see yourself ending up? Maybe look at that requirement and work backwards if you see what I mean to figure out some sort of path.

 

[Feevah]

Thanks James. I had a look at indeed.com for any job advertisements that I would be able to apply for, but many of them seem like contract work. Is this common in the industry or is there more permanent positions than indeed is showing?. I was even looking at local companies that would be willing to let me come over and learn a thing or two to help me gain some more experience to help build my CV.

 

[duncans]

a guy on here I've not seen him in ages that's what he did he rang around the local welding companies and one of them let him come in for a couple of days a week then the company boss set him on full time so it just shows if you persevere it will happen, mate
Welcome to the forum mate you will deff get some good advice from members on here

 

[Feevah]

Thank you guys so much, anything you can share will be a huge help

 

[James1979]

Thanks James. I had a look at indeed.com for any job advertisements that I would be able to apply for, but many of them seem like contract work. Is this common in the industry or is there more permanent positions than indeed is showing?. I was even looking at local companies that would be willing to let me come over and learn a thing or two to help me gain some more experience to help build my CV.

Im assuming from your lack of CV you’re young? If it were me looking at you, I’d be more interested in someone who shows application and has a bit of aptitude and doesn’t mess with their phone all day than reams of paper. A lot can be taught, you can’t teach a decent work ethic. If you start knocking on doors offering your time for free in return for experience (proper experience not just sweeping up!) someone will give you a start. Commit to it and take everything you can from it in terms of knowledge. It’s what I did.

It may lead into something. It may not. It may not lead into anything directly but someone may take a liking to you and have a mate who’s looking for someone. You never know.

i think getting a decent grounding whether you stay in college or get work experience will stand you in good stead rather than contracting where you may find yourself in at the deep end. Unless you can get a job as a fire watcher or welders mate or something and if you’re lucky you’ll be with someone who is happy to teach you a bit.

 

[Robert Mullins]

You most certainly can, when you work/weld in the industrial environment you'll soon realise that there are lots of 'welders?' out there who are truly not welders by any description, and that you're probably better than some already:
Many workshops do no positional welding whatsoever, everything is turned and welded downhand, simple and easy,
What I suggest is, phone up and attend the interview, that's experience in itself, do the weld test, ask the guy conducting the weld test what's expected, how hot do they want it? Be honest, what's the worst possible thing they can do? say no!! They can't take the experience away from you, some one WILL give you a start, maybe with a caveat of "we'll give you a start and see how it goes" and if it falls through that's still experience:
To demonstrate exactly how unskilled some 'welders' are 2 individuals spring immediately to mind: no names, either of the individual or the company:
The first chap was able to strike and maintain an arc with a 3.2, but not with either a 2-5/4/5/6, consequently everything was 'welded?" With a 3.2 & 120 amps; IN A SHIPYARD??!!!
One of many other chaps was/is Joe, Joe is such a nice guy that you cannot but help like him, BUT a welder he is not, he took 3 days to seal off a 2"split in a void space bulkhead, the self same fellow caused the welding inspector to shriek "it's like a f###ing hedgehog" upon seeing his attempts to seal tank testing leaks:
Go for it, keep up the course work, your natural abilities, determination and work opportunities will dictate how much you can earn, and to what standards you'll need to work

 

[Cheesie]

Lots of boys out there with impressive cvs that couldn't weld for **** vs lads with no certs that can put down some of the best welds you'll see

 

[outofthefire]

I did, c&g 1 and a welding test at the interview. Dont expect decent money, but there's always welding jobs popping up on job searches a lot of them are short term or temporary contracts, but they'll get you experience. Don't bull **** about how good you are just be honest and say you want to learn and get better.

 

[winchman]

I see you are in Liverpool, I would knock on Doors, Knowsley Industrial estate or the one near the airport as both have Fab and weld companies on them

 

[Lordspectre]

Hi guys I was currently working on my level 1 C&G in MIG Welding, I am wondering if I can get employed in the trade with my level 1 NVQ, or do I need to complete my level 2 or even 3 before I can get employed. I have asked my tutors but they don't seem to give me a clear answer. Any information on this would be a great help
Thanks
Joe

Hey dude for sure. It's a stepping stone and majority of Mig jobs don't need fancy certs anything more than basic welding showing you can flat weld. The weld test shows all not a piece of paper though it's still worth welding....I suggest if your looking a for a job....head around to a few manufacturing companies in your area, bring a pair of proper mig gloves, a headshield, a chisel and a mallet(looks like you know what your at). When you get there be blatant and ask can you do a weld test...if you impress/pass the test they may offer you a job but will at least consider you for the future ....don't expect to start on good money I see lots of lads/lassies getting their bubbles burst when they do a course and expect €12-18 / £12-15 an hour and get offered min wage €10.10 or whatever your min is...a year or 2 will bump up you skillset and knowledge and will lead to payrises or other welding oppirtunities. Best of luck dude

 

[fire hazzard]

Experience counts in my experience, I got a certificate from college doing a part time evening course. And failed my first ever test, despite getting a high grade from college. No substitute for experience.

 

[Feet 'n Inches]

I’ve no formal welding papers other than being signed off in various places I’ve worked by means of destructive and non destructive testing

Very similar to me, things have changed a lot since I was in the trade. Most of the firms I worked at gave you a very short interview questioning your experience and then invited you to take a test, usually a downhand multi-run fillet which was checked out by the senior welder in the workshop. Most of the jobs I had were structural work so I did get the appropriate certifications. As for what level of C&G or B Tech I was at, I haven't a clue.

bring a pair of proper mig gloves, a headshield, a chisel and a mallet(looks like you know what your at). When you get there be blatant and ask can you do a weld test...if you impress/pass the test they may offer you a job but will at least consider you for the future

That's definitely worth a try. Good luck!