Newly trained welder in Sheffield looking for someone to give me a chance!

[Dan79]

I'm just about to come to the end of my welding/fabrication course at Doncaster college and I'm now looking for work. Unfortunately its proving almost impossible as everyone wants apprentice trained or on-job experience. It was suggested on the introduction thread that it might be worth asking here so I thought "why not?" I'll give it a go!
My qualifications are level 2 NVQ PEO in welding & fabrication and a level 2 BTEC extended certificate in engineering. I'm able to weld using MMA or MIG to a good standard. I'm also experienced in using a plasma cutter, angle grinder, iron-worker, guillotine and various other workshop tools and machinery.
My tutor has noted that I pick up new techniques quickly and produce accurate work from planning drawings.
I'm 34 years old and have mostly worked in retail management before, but decided that wasn't what I wanted to do with my life so I went back to college. I'm now looking for a company with which to forge a long term career as a fabricator/welder. All I need is for someone to take a chance and give me a try! I'm more than willing to start on a lower wage during a "trial" period and will even just be a general dogsbody if it will help me get my foot in the door.
I can provide photos of test welds done at college if required.

So if you're in or near Sheffield and you feel like giving a very keen man a chance (or you know someone that will) then please, please let me know. Thanks!

 

[mybuttssplit]

How far are you willing to travel and do you want to be welding or fabing?

 

[Dan79]

I'm not currently driving (although that will be the first thing I'll do once a get a job) so I'm looking for anywhere I can get to on public transport within a reasonable time. If I can afford it then a 60-90 minute train or bus journey wouldn't be a problem.
I think I'd prefer fabricating but at the moment I'm willing to do pretty much anything just to get my foot in the door. If its with a company that I could build a long term career with then all the better!

 

[Rrunnach]

I'm just about to come to the end of my welding/fabrication course at Doncaster college and I'm now looking for work. Unfortunately its proving almost impossible as everyone wants apprentice trained or on-job experience. It was suggested on the introduction thread that it might be worth asking here so I thought "why not?" I'll give it a go!
My qualifications are level 2 NVQ PEO in welding & fabrication and a level 2 BTEC extended certificate in engineering. I'm able to weld using MMA or MIG to a good standard. I'm also experienced in using a plasma cutter, angle grinder, iron-worker, guillotine and various other workshop tools and machinery.
My tutor has noted that I pick up new techniques quickly and produce accurate work from planning drawings.
I'm 34 years old and have mostly worked in retail management before, but decided that wasn't what I wanted to do with my life so I went back to college. I'm now looking for a company with which to forge a long term career as a fabricator/welder. All I need is for someone to take a chance and give me a try! I'm more than willing to start on a lower wage during a "trial" period and will even just be a general dogsbody if it will help me get my foot in the door.
I can provide photos of test welds done at college if required.

So if you're in or near Sheffield and you feel like giving a very keen man a chance (or you know someone that will) then please, please let me know. Thanks!

Peo L2 is not really a high standard, bit like, first rung on the ladder, that said though, qualification is a damn sight better than nothing and, good for you at acheiving!

I assume you want to further your credentials, say, L3 fab/weld? From an employer point of view, your age will disqualify you for funding.

L3 is done within workplace, I have delivered and, supported a good few mature learners to achieve at this level, all have been at the game for a while, have good knowledge and hands on skills, relevant companies have picked up the bill for delivery and support.

Don't let the above get you down, I'm just telling you how it is, which is, it is doable, you just have to keep banging on them doors, one will open for you!!

Cheers and good luck!

 

[Dan79]

Yes I'd like to get level 3 done but as you said, its hard to get funding for it and in my current position I can't afford to pay for it myself. In fact only yesterday my tutor asked if I'll be staying on for level 3 and I had to say no.
Its a bit of a kick in the teeth that my qualifications aren't really worth anything as I've been working real hard over the last year and survived on a very poorly paid part time retail job. I've contacted quite a few fabrication companies in Sheffield and been turned away every time. No experience = no chance. If its impossible to get experience it makes me start wondering what is the point of doing the course? Its all very disheartening.

 

[octo0072000]

Yes I'd like to get level 3 done but as you said, its hard to get funding for it and in my current position I can't afford to pay for it myself. In fact only yesterday my tutor asked if I'll be staying on for level 3 and I had to say no.
Its a bit of a kick in the teeth that my qualifications aren't really worth anything as I've been working real hard over the last year and survived on a very poorly paid part time retail job. I've contacted quite a few fabrication companies in Sheffield and been turned away every time. No experience = no chance. If its impossible to get experience it makes me start wondering what is the point of doing the course? Its all very disheartening.

you need to go round in person not phoning or mailing etc
you need face to face meets show them what you can do offer to work a day or a week for free anything to get you in the door

 

[Dan79]

Yes I intend to do that as soon as possible. Although I'm not in a financial position to be able to drop my current job to work for free somewhere because if they don't offer me a job at the end of it then I'm a bit screwed.
I think I need to open up my search for a bit. Does anyone have any suggestions for suitable roles that I might not have thought of? I've only really approached fabrication companies, but I know factories/power stations etc require welders to repair and maintain stuff. Wow I sound like such a noob!

 

[Rrunnach]

Yes I'd like to get level 3 done but as you said, its hard to get funding for it and in my current position I can't afford to pay for it myself. In fact only yesterday my tutor asked if I'll be staying on for level 3 and I had to say no.
Its a bit of a kick in the teeth that my qualifications aren't really worth anything as I've been working real hard over the last year and survived on a very poorly paid part time retail job. I've contacted quite a few fabrication companies in Sheffield and been turned away every time. No experience = no chance. If its impossible to get experience it makes me start wondering what is the point of doing the course? Its all very disheartening.

It's tough out there mate, lots of qualified fab/welders seek decent work. Don't give up though, be optimistic, although tis hard!!

To you, your qualifications are priceless, some companies may view this differently. IMO, it says a lot when an individual, like yourself, give up their own time, fund themselves to reach a stage of their goal.

L3 VQ is work base, unfortunately, you require an employer to achieve this.

Keep banging on them doors, you never know, the next one may open for you??

Good luck!!!

 

[Dan79]

It all makes me wish that I'd taken the apprenticeship I was offered when I was 16 after doing my 3 weeks school work experience at a place called E.T Marine Engineering in Grays, Essex (my home town). They were so impressed with me that they offered me an apprenticeship after my first week! Unfortunately I turned it down to study art at college like a fool!
That's partly the reason I decided to go with welding & fabrication as a "mature student".

 

[Rrunnach]

Go for creative metal art, is not easy to get recognised, I have taught many over the years, some have been very successful.

 

[Dan79]

Go for creative metal art, is not easy to get recognised, I have taught many over the years, some have been very successful.

I'd love to do that sort of thing in my spare time, but right now I need to get a half decent regular wage coming in.