Career and learning advice

[mitchel.]

Basically i've done 6 months at college doing car bodywork realised its not really for me plus doesn't seem to be much money in it. but i really enjoy welding and fabrication around the automotive area.

But i dont know how to advance myself or where to start i can mig weld to a standard however now im wanting to advance into tig welding. I also dont know how to apply all the skills ive learnt once i finished learning to a standard. As most fabrication shops round me dont touch automotive or dont advertise for it.

So basically i'd like to know whats the best way to learn tig welding and get into using it automotive area. be it a college course , working free in a fabrication shop or trying to get 1-1 tuition or private training company.

Im near chesterfield college anyone have any feedback on there welding courses.

 

[madwelder]

Hi mitchel,

I started in a similar boat. I started at a training group with a view to going into automotive restoration, but decided to stick with welding and fabrication after a slightly disappointing 2 week work experience at a local crash repair centre.

I've been with my workplace for 6 years now but we don't do anything automotive. In the meantime, I spent 2 years stock car racing and had fun building my own cars for that, and I now spend my "spare" time fixing up land rover fire trucks.

The best way to get into welding and fabrication would be to get an apprenticeship. That way you will get taught the skills you need and be able to find a work placement.

What particular aspect of the automotive sector interests you most?