Is there any demand for lessons?

[spaf4]

Hi guys,

Just want to get some feedback from you if possible. I'll be having a new workshop built in the near future and I'm thinking of offering introductory welding lessons once it's up and running. However, I'm just trying to gauge if there's any demand out there for teaching the basics. I don't want to start stocking up on consumables, buy extra safety equipment and spend money on advertising if there isn't enough people out there who would like to learn the basics of MMA and MIG welding. Any advice, or experience on or of this idea would be welcomed.

For the record I've had 30 years in the business and would enjoy passing on some of my knowledge now that I'm retired.

Cheers.
Steve.

 

[Justme]

Well collages seem to do ok doing it.

 

[adamsmitqc]

I think that a service which offered tuition without the formality and time commitment that colleges courses require would be a welcome service and i would certainly have been intrested when first getting started and probably still would be to be honest.

 

[spaf4]

Thanks for the replies you Guys.

It's encouraging as it indicates welding is not a dying art.

I could offer one-to-one lessons now if anyone didn't mind learning in a small shabby workshop. Being retired I'm flexible so the hours and time could suit any person interested. It's a thought, but if anyone wants to get in touch for a chat, just drop me a PM. I'm based on the Scottish Borders near Berwick.

Steve.

 

[zzr1200]

Trying to find someone to give help/lessons can always be a problem, if your willing to offer weekend tuition, I can't see a problem with your idea.

 

[marlinspike]

I think there would be a demand, depending on location. Our local college did lots of night school courses in car maintenance, welding etc. It was there that we learnt to weld with oxy. Quite cheap too. Over the years these have all been axed and now they just do very expensive full time, vocational courses.

I think the stumbling block would be the health and safety regs and insurance if you were going to charge. I am pretty sure there would be a demand, especially if you did say a one day course in basic welding.

 

[spaf4]

Well I'm certainly ready to offer lessons and or help at what ever times suited the person in question and I wouldn't have any fixed hours for the tuition. If, say, someone just wanted two or three hours, that would be fine with me.

My days are free as are my evenings. I'd want to keep it on an informal level. Some charges would obviously be incurred. Don't know what college costs work out at but I'd sure be cheaper. Plus you'd get endless amounts of free Tea and Coffee. There's some possibility I'd travel to their place depending on distance and the circumstances.

 

[Justme]

One problem you might have is that quite a lot of members already offer this "service" for free to other members.

 

[chunkolini]

I have been offering workshops/courses in metal sculpture for a couple of years and have run lots of them.
I think you are onto a good idea, but you will have to look into the H+ aspects carefully and make sure you have insurance.
That might be a problem. I get mine through a broker who specialises in people passing on arts and crafts skills and does cover me for welding and plasma cutting.
Have a chat with a broker and see what they can offer.

 

[spaf4]

This is looking more involved than I thought. All I thought of doing was to give a few hours instruction here and there, strictly on a one-on-one informal basis. But when some are offering the service for free and talk of insurance, I'm not so sure. Thanks for the input though.

 

[chunkolini]

It would be mad to do it uninsured.
Somebody gets burned or cut or whatever goes to a no win no fee solicitor.
No nice.

 

[spaf4]

It would be mad to do it uninsured.
Somebody gets burned or cut or whatever goes to a no win no fee solicitor.
No nice.

Which is why I'll probably forget the idea.

I would hate the idea of offering tuition to someone who would run screaming and balling if they got a spark on their hand. But I guess it's a sign of the claims culture we live in. Shame really.