Welding Career Advice

[@patrickgilbert7289]

I wish my 21 year old self would have watched this. Great advice for any young person, not just welders!

[@spaceoutmisfit1738]

Patrick Gilbert I’m 21 getting my associates degree next semester but it’s bs in associates in art...lol so I’m going to trade school after

[@vsteele1672]

@CVK im 18 and fresh out of high school. I don't know what to do now that im done with school but just get a job. I don't want to go to college because i dint think its for me. Do you think i can get into a trade school without any experience?

[@calvallone5580]

Patrick Gilbert on point for everything going on in my life at this current moment be nice and they will open up to you my old man owns his own Heavy Equipment corporation but yet again we butt heads every day because he neglects to view the fact that he is just going to damn fast for me to collect all the knowledge he is trying to pass on but I still try every day for it is all I have

[@robertsantiago953]

@@calvallone5580 not all teachers are good teachers . Talk to the old man about it but show him respect

[@anonimails]

Well Im 30 I have an office job and Ive just discovered that I would have loved to choose that career. Too late. Make the right choices while they are available I guess.

[@MrAgummybear]

"Only added the 'tator' to be nice" you're awesome Jody xD

[@fvrrljr]

HAHAHAHAHA i Like, OLE!

[@skydive1424]

That made me crack up as well!👍

[@robertsantiago953]

I have had a lot of those to the point that became truck driver instead hahahaha

[@petersack5074]

@@robertsantiago953 ....so did i....from welders' helper....

[@427._]

I coincidentally just read your comment at the same time he said it in the video. Crazy.

[@bwinford1561]

When you get hired to a company always volunteer to go get extra training. You most often will have to travel and be gone for a time. It will be worth it. Let the company pay for those extra credentials. When the boss says "I need volunteers" your hand should go up. Immediately.

[@RobTyrer]

+B Winford Funny, this happened to me today... going for rail inspection ticket next week. Not welding, but another ticket to add to my wallet, free to me.

[@bigshantolifting]

100%. But in todays gig economy I recommend people start their own business. Your comment was 3 years ago and I still stand by that statement.

[@ericbooboo5481]

Shant Al-Saiegh did you take business classes to start your business or by the time you knew you’d make a business out of this?

[@ryanb1874]

What planet are you from. ?

[@ryanb1874]

Do you work in a Blir or Red state, and union or non, I'm Guessing your in Illinois.

[@liberalistbat6352]

Jody, you're an awesome person. You're the reason I have been able to get so far in college for welding. I don't come from a welding shop family or anything, and your advise has let me stay in the race with other students did have those experiences earlier.

[@Snidney100]

Im exactly the same, couldnt thank this guy enough

[@bikesfightback]

i have an incredible amount of respect for you Jody... i also started out in college and tried to go for auto mechanics (which was full) and got thrown into a welding class....had an amazing teacher and loved it from day 1!! 19 years later after many jobs i am very happy with welding and have gain lots of experience and always learning more and hungry for knowledge. i hope to one day be a teacher myself. keep posting videos!!.. my wife looks at me funny that after a long day of welding i come home and watch videos about welding.

[@ericbooboo5481]

bikesfightback good to hear this man makes me happy like there’s hope out there for us :) . Did you go to college and take the welding class or was there a trade school that you went into for welding?

[@sjbl1962]

Jody, you are dead on with your advice. As an old guy, a few things you said really rang a bell with me: Learn all you can about your job, including the "front office" jobs. As "the new guy" be the first in and the last out; don't be so impressed with yourself that you don't listen to the old timers; the first couple years do the dirty jobs that nobody else wants to do... there is value in those jobs; when the admin people start telling you "if you don't like it, leave" get yourself ready to leave, they will find out they can't be "administrative" if there is no one there to do the work. Thanks Jody, that was a treasure trove of information.

[@RGSABloke]

Jody, I taught dental technology for almost 30 years, everything you said it right on the money and the principles you stated are applicable across disciplines. Thanks for sharing. Joe.

[@Mfnmostdope3]

I've learned some of the best tricks from the old timers. great advice man

[@Endmass]

The most relevant rant on youtube. I too, was faced with a decision. I picked CAM/CAD as high school vocational tech class specifically because it included welding: I was a car guy, after all. Whats better than going to class and welding? Turns out: I'd rather liked the machinist side of things, and here I am now. Shift leader of a machine shop. I recently bought myself an AHP tig for the garage, to do some automotive fabrication. I'd like to say that despite how great my instructor was in high school, I've learned far more watching this channel. We're human, we learn a lot by watching and replicating. Much thanks to Jody, I've learned a lot about the trade: and the gas lens kit from his site (along with the tig finger) have made my personal project come together quickly, and damn good looking. One should always pride himself on the craftsmanship of his work.

[@LMG6989]

Jodi this all excellent advice. Welders have an excellent skill to make great money if they utilize the craft and diversify their skill sets. I welded 10years in industry from heavy fab,offshore O&G, mobile rig, and now I design and manufacture parts for a R&D Lab. I do machining, welding, mechanical repair, QA/QC, write reports in excel and word. This was all possible from welding and always learning wherever I worked. Back in welding college I never imagined I would be doing what I do today with all these valuable skills.

[@denniskalivoda]

Jody, well presented in the life of a welder. Throughout your presentation of your life, I could see my myself the whole way. Everything you described of yourself is what a individual should take as what their future could look like. Myself started out in technical school, wanted tool and matching, no openings, took welding, during break got a job welding aluminum; Went back to school and completed course; Went to the service, came back worked as a maintenance man 6 years ; accepted a welding instructor at a technical school; yes, some confrontations with people, went to work for a Crane manufacturer, became supervisor of welding, promoted to manufacturing engineer of 16 years,disagreed with management; new job industrial engineer with large manufacturing company for 15 years, company cutback; Went to work for manufacturing company as a auto cad operator designing various equipment for 8 years. Retired and doing a little work in my garage now at the age of 81. Looks like a carbon copy, right Jody??

[@mountainmiked8160]

Great Advice. To all you new guys: Jody was my instructor at Delta in the 1990's and is one of the best in the field. I left Delta in 1999 with a Miller syncrowave 250 and a dream and have used what Jody taught me to get a jumpstart in the fabrication world. I have done engineering and design and fabrication in auto, farm equipment, heavy equipment, aircraft, boat docks and crane fabrication. I used what Jody taught me and am now the designated welder for the largest textile plant in the nation and for the county highway department and the city water department as well as the aircraft inspector for the surrounding five airports and director of aircraft maintenance at the local airport. You never know where your welding career will take you but the sky is the limit for those that want to get there. Jody is teaching me new things even today with his great videos. Pay attention to what he has to say, Jody knows what he is talking about. Thanks again Jody!!!!!!

[@SMCca]

I think one major thing that doesn't get brought up enough these days is the value of true hard work. No matter what you're doing, always work as hard as you can doing it. Doesn't matter if you hate it or think there's no value to it. Practice excellence in everything and the payoff may surprise you.

[@Ericdawg420]

Thats a good way to burnout early my friends. After 8 years working in a steel foundry in many different positions my advice to someone young from a pretty young guy myself, is to take your time. Work methodical. Over think everything because you never want to let a simple detail slip by and you are spending double the time to fix a mistake that could have been avoided. Like he said learn as much as possible. I went from making molds, to making the sand, melting the metal and now I havw finnaly got a opportunity to work in the pattern shop and learn even more about my trade. When I worked in the foundry i had the opportunity to learn stick welding and took it. Now 7 years later i only got to mig weld because i had experience stick welding. You can only open more doors for yourself by learning as much as possible. Hard work comes along with experience, experience does NOT come with hard work. And monkey can smash a box open with a hammer, only a smart monkey can open the box with or without the hammer.

[@tswwow]

@@Ericdawg420 don't make excuses.

[@cavemanjoe7972]

@@JR-qz3zt I'm somewhat similar to him, but the difference with me is when my machines broke down, I learned from maintenance about the machines and helped them do the work. I've been able to repair $130,000 machines at other companies who didn't have maintenance crews, and made some nice bonuses doing it. My favorite one was a huge old plasma cutter at a machine shop they had bought from a high school. It worked fine for two days & quit in the middle of a $13,000 customer job. It was the on/off switch.😂 $2.79 and ten minutes later, and they were back in business. It's also nice for the maintenance guys at places that do have them to be able to tell them what the issue is without them needing to pop the machine open. The first few times, I always get shit, but after telling me I was right, they tend to listen the next time they show up.

[@jq7323]

@@tswwow How is that excuses? He's saying it's not worth burning yourself out by the time your 30 for a 15 cent raise every 6 months ...

[@tswwow]

@@jq7323 There are those who work hard, and there are those who don't.

[@awspartan4417]

My son did me proud and he listened to me about his future and he is 14 ,he signed up for welding at the VOTEC that his school has. I am so glad he is following what I said and showed him how to start welding with 7018 3/16 rods ,how to start an arc and keep it.He loved the idea of putting two pieces together and making it work for himself. He had a choice of HVAC or welding he liked both but they let him braze to see if he liked it and he loved it. This video is a hallmark moment that will be used again and again. THANK YOU for this.

[@awashbowler]

Im not a professional welder by any means but I have taken on many fab projects and personal projects on the side and Its something I love to do. But welding is not my career. I am a junior in college for mechanical engineering and I already have 4 years of experience as a coldform tooling design engineer. I obtained this job my senior year of high school as an internship through our local vocational school and I have been there since and they are paying my way through college. You dont have to be a welder to appreciate what you said in this video. Im an engineering student and I found so much of your advice valuable and I can relate to a lot of what you said. And those old timers are priceless! The best lesson I learned from the oldtimers I work with is "you're never too old to learn" and "if you dont learn something new everyday, you arent trying hard enough". Another great video Jody! Thanks for some awesome advice!

[@Retroweld]

Very cool story and great advice Jody. Great meeting you in Atlanta. -Douglas

[@weldingtipsandtricks]

+RetroWeld great meeting you as well. good luck with your channel

[@garractugus]

+weldingtipsandtricks I'm immensely grateful to have discovered your KZbin channel. I've been a follower for much longer than I've been subscribed. I became a welder in an almost identical fashion as yourself. The school to mechanic to unintentional welder. I cherish this accident. I have found, that this is me, it's by nature. Intuition in short. Fabrication is my real calling. I can make anything. No obstacle is too much. And no problem I can't overcome. I am a darn good welder, but I am absolutely aware that I am nowhere near as good or informed as I can and will be. I'm dedicated to be a doctor of the trade. What I'm saying is your videos have answered my questions, and quenched my thirsty mind. And I thank You! Nate

[@chriscapozzi7521]

+weldingtipsandtricks Jody , we're you a UA member ?

[@jeffs.5882]

***** pipeliners ain't shit!! Boy!

[@patrickpou1397]

im watching every little clip that you made for the last 3years and never took the time to tell you a Good thank you!!! its been 8years that i am a welder , i learn a lot from your tips and made me a better welder . continu your good work , thanks for all the good advice

[@simclardy1]

That was great. i love the part about respecting the old timer because that's how they will open up and teach you. This is something they don't teach much in school anymore. .... and I'm not sure it can be taught but i believe success has a lot to do with the intangibles, like humility, compassion, work ethic, courage. etc. a diploma has nothing to do with these virtues but boy do they make a difference. Jody; this video can not be reproduced by someone who has not lived it so you might call it a rant, but i would call it unique and valuable. cheers

[@maxpainmedia]

Absolutely! I did a 3 year mason tender apprenticeship, i treated every journeyman like my superior

[@Ciscohouston1]

Jody I'm 62 been in the welding industry my whole life started out went to welding school welded a year went to NDE school first job after graduating was as an inspector at nuclear powerplant construction been a CWI inspector around weld shops and welding my whole life everything you said is dead nuts right on. I retired at 60 came back as a contractor as a supervisor over the quality control technicians at a nuc plant and making considerably more money than I ever had before and I'm drawing my pension so if you stick with it life can be good.

[@kalijamies]

What an inpirational video Jodie. I'm a 39 year old hobbiest weldel from Finland who started welding just 6 moths ago. About the elders... my father used to work as a professional welder for 20+ years. Since watching your and some other welding channels got me interested. Now my father says that I can make some pretty decent welds, and he is hard on his opinions since he has done it professionally for so long back in the day. I'm using a an old transformer based MIG machine with limited settings but I'm learning all the time. Your videos have been a big help understanding the MIG process. Please keep these videos coming! Big up for you and all the other old timers!

[@zachariahadamquery5345]

Thank you Jodie. Been welding for 6 years now. I've watched you over these 6 years. Major growth in these years. You have been apart of my journey in some tiny aspects but have learned alot. Just took some will and I feel exactly what you say because I have put in the work. I'm at that pivot in my life but to still weld just trying to go under the wing of some older men to grow more to maybe bless me with a bigger journey to be a CWI or Superintendent. We will see but thank you for this background.

[@balbie29]

Hello from London England. My late dads skill was carpentry and joinery but you speak with the same integrity and intelligence that he did. I learnt the importance and worth of the old timers from him. He also taught me imperial measurements which is handy. I could watch and learn from your tutorials all day. I am new to welding learning Mig on a British made Oxford migmaker 240A. Thank you for all you do. Barry...

[@thegamemeowster]

thanks for the advice! I'm 35 just getting ready to leave welding school. took me a while to get here but I'm glad to have this advice so I know where to go from here! good video as always.

[@carlostorres8771]

mrmanifesto you employed?

[@chriscosby2459]

I have worked as a maintenance machinist, post secondary technical educator, and owned a welding business for about seven years. I ended up performing a lot of architectural jobs -- mostly railngs and gates in my business. It was very satisfying work -- but it was also hard work. As I approached 60 years of age I sold my business.I went back work as a technical educator teaching industrial maintenance classes. A lot of welding jobs are for younger people. I like that you make that point in the video. It is great at the end of the day when you have built something or repaired something. I learned something new every day as a welder -- it is interesting work.

[@coreystephens1361]

This dude's top notch. Learned alot from him even after I considered myself as a veteran welder

[@nosferatu49426]

I don't even own a welder yet, but have been watching all your videos. I only hope the coming generations have the work ethic, and respect for teachers you speak of. it's getting harder to find. thanks for all your welding tips and tricks.

[@theslimeylimey]

This information is as valuable if not more valuable than the "how to" of welding and applies to life and work in general. Very good.

[@Daniel_D_King]

I started watching your videos a long time ago, as iv been wanting to enter the trade for 10 years. I come back to watch this one again as iv just managed to secure an apprenticeship at 31yrs old after taking a few night classes, thanks for the inspiration!

[@tibix140]

This man is a f-in god, yet so humble.... total respect!

[@jeremy3635]

Mr. Jody your awesome. I am a welder for a boiler service company south of ATL for 15 yrs now and you constantly teach me new tricks and things. Watching your videos make me excited about being a welder, although I'm mostly a stick welder I constantly learn new things from you and JD and many others.. I just wanted to say thank you and I hope all is well..

[@naildriver296]

One caveat to the school advice; if your welding instructor is a female, DO NOT treat her with any less respect just because of her sex. My instructor was a tiny little 5'4" 62-year old woman and she has over 40 YEARS of experience. I was constantly asking her questions and just being a mental sponge to get everything I could from the class. I love this channel. It has, and still does help me when I have questions or need some quick, easy knowledge...or I have a brain-fart day (they happen). Keep doing what you do, Jody.

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

Oh damn, here I was thinking of slapping my instructors ass and say nice ass sugar now get me a coffee. Thanks for steering me clear.

[@tristandixon4462]

Amen to that I had pretty much the same experience my instructor in school was same short old woman tough-as-nails and didn't let any crap slide but if you showed her you wanted to learn she had such a wealth of knowledge to offer it was staggering do not let your own biases count someone out or treat them differently because you don't know how much now it's someone might truly have to offer same could be said for the first guy to take me under his wing at my first job he was probably the best welder fitter at that shop but most people wouldn't listen to him when they would come on because he was gay learning from him I learned more than almost anybody else to date.

[@HaroldBluetooth-uz1zz]

No woman should be in a man space. Get back to raising kids and stop being an independent woman.

[@Pow3llMorgan]

Jody, thank you for all the nice tips and tricks! Today I passed my first welding test - a pressure unit built up from 3 pipe pieces, two end cap plates (one holed and with a threaded pipe welded to it), with stick, MAG, and TIG welds. Tested to 20 bar (290 psi) and it passed with zero leaks on the first try! Now I learn this whole time I've been suckling on the teat of your wisdom this whole time without even being subscribed! I fixed that and am going back through all the videos I've 'used' and make sure I've clicked the like button :) Thanks again from Denmark!

[@springcreekfarmer]

Great advice! I'm a beginner at 49 and really looking forward to learning as much as I can. Thanks for all the great videos and for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@aac75pr]

People, the golden part of this video is the carrier pivot part. Keep up the good work Jody.

[@meerscan9101]

dictator, most jobs are simple... its your coworkers that make it hard!

[@_high_plains_drifter_5079]

Management/formans/bosses can make it hard as well especially when they say "don't like it here, go somewhere else" especially at a good company

[@thelastofitskind3034]

That's true

[@thelastofitskind3034]

@@_high_plains_drifter_5079 true

[@larryegilman1]

After listening to you sharing your CV, it is no wonder you have the expertise and skill you share with us weekly. You are a natural teacher, and all of your subscribers are grateful for your passion and guidance. Thank you for your commitment to us and your profession.

[@tjenkx6893]

This was an awesome video! I learn a lot from you, so keep it going. My dad taught me to weld at a young age and had me welding on semi truck frames at around 15 years old. I'm now a young 45 years old still love working with metal. TIG is what I enjoy watching.

[@daviddassow8508]

Great advice. My grandson appears to be enjoying his welding class in college. Looking for the next step. Your best advice was be nice to old timers, they know the short cuts. My dad’s joke, itimized bill from plumber, $10 for hitting the pipe, $100 for knowing where to hit the pipe. Thank you.

[@Michaeljm84]

That was a great speech. Everything totally spot on. 100%

[@rkr7372]

I'm on the tail end of a welding career with a class 1 railroad as a Boilermaker the advances in welding over the course 30+ years are astronomical & come to this site to stay up on what's new. Thanks Jody. For you young welders think railroad the pay is great, the benefits are off the charts with the pension is second to none .

[@Young22Latino]

Scotty kilmer took his spot in automotive lool 0:56

[@pipeline_hank5277]

Hahahaha probably

[@unapprovedtruth7116]

Rev up your spots in trade courses

[@ultimos5]

🤣

[@BaberJacks]

@@unapprovedtruth7116 rev up your welder

[@patchipatchi1]

@@unapprovedtruth7116 LMFAO, I read that in his voice and cracked myself up

[@lavalleyk]

Well Jody... great advice ... and as a guy that has been around the block in my own career agree 100 percent that being respectable to the experienced guys will always get you further in your own career - I always listened and learned from the old timers and now after 27 years in the same business I am finding that the younger generation are coming to me for advice...if they have been late, or mouthy or disrespectable to myself or others under my command..they get nowhere...I am more than willing to help the ones that are attentive and willing do do the dues... Now im getting ready for my exit from the field and have been setting up a small shop for myself to keep me busy into the golden years...and I still find myself listening to people and trying to learn as much as I can from the fellows like yourself that have made my interests a career for more years then we all care to admit .... Thank you for your tons of information you put out every week... and as so many do here we look forward to picking your knowledge every week.. :D

[@max07162]

Thank you , The advice and knowledge is much appreciated!! I'm 20 years into my career as a pipe fitter /fabricator but always trying my best to learn and adapt.

[@enriquehinojosa966]

Marc Krout I am doing process technology but now I am thinking of welding, do you think that's a good decision?

[@max07162]

I see nothing wrong with looking into it, there is always a demand for welders.

[@keenaheaton8853]

No need to apologize, this is great information for people and I enjoyed learning a little more about you. I'm a 911 center director and I've never held a welding job, but I've learned to mig and tig weld from your channel and I enjoy it thoroughly. Maybe in my next career I can pursue welding and if not, at least I have a satisfying hobby. I appreciate you sharing your journey. All the best sir.

[@christophermoody6288]

Great story, stumbled on this channel by accident glad I did.

[@wrav47]

I'm a retired telephone man and everything you said is great advice for probably all trades, I'm a hobbiest welder and I love learn all I can. Thanks Jody

[@ragingbull5150]

I really appreciate your passing on of knowledge, it is very helpful.

[@jontyoldmanface]

'Learn as many tools and welding units as you can' - words to live by right there. I have now been welding for just under 2 years (22months to be precise) and in a business which only now has 6 welders I can use 4 different welding units and all the other associated tools both hand and power plus a whole heap of others (CMM, bench press, XYZ miller, linishing/polishing specialist tools, etc. etc.) I learned tons from your channel and because of that, in a weeks time I fly from the UK to Sweden for an on site repair job! LESS THAN 2 YEARS EXPERIENCE PEOPLE! Applying myself fully into what I'm doing has made all the difference along with great advice from both my foreman and this channel. If you're unsure if it's worth it, I'm taking home $1000 a week and working of a lot of genuinely fun, pleasant and challenging stuff with plenty of perks. In fact I'd say I'm a great example of what can be achieved when the advice is right. Thanks Jody, sincere thanks for helping to give me the chance to change my life.

[@mcpheonixx]

I would like to add a tip myself. From experience, before you enroll into a welding course, do you due diligence and research the course. Look at the curriculum and talk tonthe instructor. Dont be afraid to ask what kind of background he has. The last welding instructor I had was a farmer who happened to graduate the same course and had a degree in ag science that allowed him to teach. A good guy but no real practicle experience.

[@cnnkul5226]

mcpheonixx can I ask how the pay is?

[@Liamd]

Matt Andrews yes you can

[@MrJgstoner]

This might be my favorite video of yours. I can tell you spent some time laboring over just how frank you wanted to be and I'm glad you went with "All the way" Thank you

[@richarddawdy9797]

Thanks for the videos. I will be showing to my welding students tomorrow for the class warm up.

[@brianstilwell6433]

Thanks for this video. I've been welding for over 20 years but am currently enrolled in welding school at night. I am preparing for my 6g test and am loving it. I also found it helped to walk up to the instructor and tell him that although I have been welding for a long time, I am here to listen and learn. The instructors seem to appreciate a humble attitude. thanks again.

[@Spencer_Knight]

A good way I remember reverse polarity Reverse polarity = RP RP = Rod positive

[@JeroenTrappers]

This is not just Welding Career Advice. This is solid career advice for anyone. Thanks!

[@Migueldeservantes]

You may call it rant but I call it the basic facts of life... thanks for the video!

[@Souduremtl]

I have been following you since 2010 and I learned a lot everytime! All you say is sooooo true! I was an helper in boiler making factory and many others before I decided to do school in welding. All the old timers tought me good assembly and welding tricks cause I was nice to them! After the 2006-2008 econnomic crash, employer were kicking everybody out the doors (even really good welders) .....so I decided to start my own shop, I now build custom furnitures, spiral stairs, and metal art, it is so fun and rewarding. Welding is a passion that need to be share and Mr Jody is one of the best to do it! Love your story. I take my welder hood off to you sir! Greatings from Montreal Canada. :)

[@dougbourdo2589]

Jody & Mike Rowe..... Just sayin...... great video. Agree 10000%.

[@PANTYEATR1]

I learned allot in welding school from my instructors...the first one was a cool old guy that didn't have 1 certification, but he knew allot about welding and how to do it. he retired in the middle of my course. the next instructor that replaced him was a certified welding inspector and veteran. I learned allot from him and he suggested I go for my CWI since I was head of the class. the one person I was surprised to learn from was a dude that was younger than me, yet he had been welding for 11 years!I also learned allot from this web page and I have been watching Jody since I was in welding school. thanks so much for sharing yourself with us...

[@turbocobra]

Thanks for sharing this Jody I bet things have only gotten worse at Delta after you left with the continued mergers in the airlines. Keep up the good work, and maybe put one of these kind of videos up every few weeks, where your just telling some stories about your background, experiences, etc...

[@tacticalchunder1207]

I’m an electrician in a steel works who has just decided to learn how to stick weld on my night shifts and I love it! Been told I’m pretty good too. I can honestly see myself having a career change at the rate it’s going...

[@michaelvinalon3415]

Excellent advice from A to Z ! The 1st step to learning is open your ears and shut your mouth ! 👍💪

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Jody great advice, I am 36 and after a career in retail management. I decided to take a new path in life and got hired by a fab company 2 years ago. I worked hard on my free time with my management's blessings to practice and try welding and in a short 2 years I progressed to junior fitter. Never be afraid to try new things and push yourself to succeed. You only get out of something as much as you put into it

[@Ach3y]

Glad too see another older guy switch career! I’m leaving wealth management for welding, just not built for and office anymore

[@GnosisMan50]

Awesome. Thanks Jody for sharing your past experience. It's great to know you that way. Tt seems the underlying message to those learning is to be proactive and you certainly are a testament to that. You also implied cultivating a work ethic which includes respect, caring, a sincere desire to learn, humility, and taking pride in one's work. As important as all the above is, I can only hope that future employment for welders, machinists, and technicians are appreciated and compensated not just for their work, but because they embody the very virtues you mentioned i.e. because they CARE and show the sincere incentive to get things done. It helps greatly if you have a boss who understands that welders are not cogs in the profit machine but human beings who enjoy their work and want to live a dignified life. From my own 40 years experience as a machinist, I've had my share of bosses that, as you said, were dick-tators and they do far more harm than managers higher up realize; it's an injustice, really. Anyway, thanks again Jody for sharing your thoughts in welding. Even for someone like me who just turned 60, you have an encouraging spirit that keeps me going.

[@elizabethdickerson1136]

I work with an amazing man, he has spent hours showing and teaching me things that school never did or could. Always stay open minded and willing to learn.

[@Resistculturaldecline]

I'm not a welder, but was a tradesman for 20 yrs. Great advice about respecting the elders. Nothing and old timer loathes more than a young know it all. And as a newcomer, show a desire for efficiency & quality. When you deliver your product, make sure it never needs touched again. Let them learn that they don't have to hawk over you. If someone has to start going back over your work, not from lack of skill, but from lack of will then that's a very bad sign and won't be tolerated. If someone shrugs off advice from the elders, and that someone still turns out a bad product then it's the end of the road.

[@Apistevist]

There are a lot of shitty old timers also though.

[@dlzoso74]

I've been welding since I was a kid....For the last 21 years I pretty much only weld 430 and 304 stainless sheet metal....Sir you provide great knowledge and experience I respect your skills bro

[@jdp1956]

I really enjoy your videos very much and the passion behind them. Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule. Many blessings to you and your family. Thank you !

[@AScreed47]

ive been watching your videos for about 5 years and a lot of my welding knowledge came from you so thanks for that

[@Lissa5628]

"manager was a dictator, I added tator just to be nice" 😂

[@DirkMitchell]

I cannot even begin to put a value on what I have learned from the "Old Timers" in all the trades I have worked. The best thing my grandpa ever taught me was to listen to my elders. Not all of them had something useful to teach me but the majority did and by listening to all of them you don't miss out. It has served me well in life and made me not have to learn things the hard way. Being humble and helping the old guys is the fastest way to learn a trade.

[@arnomaas6452]

Thank you Mr Jody for the advices and all your videos !

[@matthewdroz5613]

I'm a carpenter, but I have followed your videos for a long time to help me learn, and improve my welding skills at home. great video man.

[@GodslilRedneck23]

Great video as always. I'll be showing this to my students on Monday.

[@BL4ZK1NG]

Just started welding school at Georgia trade school and my dream job is Senior CWI at Delta I’m glad I found this video, thank you for the knowledge and information.

[@TheWatchit45]

Great advice that can be applied to many trades.

[@Tonad1978]

Thanks Jody. 20 year time served fab/welder from the UK and I never cease to be amazed by your cast iron, solid work ethic and sound advice for the young un's. God bless you and may your arc always burn hot and punch deep. Also, as experienced as I tell myself I am, your videos always learn me! Every day a school day! Thanks man.

[@Ashcombeguy]

I'm not studying welding (I'm currently on course to getting myself an extended diploma in aeronautical engineering) but I'm looking to get into aircraft or automotive maintinence, but everything that you had to say resounded with me. Thanks dude, you're an inspiration for the next generation!

[@MST9525]

Did you finish your diploma

[@davidbirch8646]

As a last-quarter welding student this was incredibly valuable. Thank you for what you do Joe D. words cannot describe how much you are appreciated by myself and my fellow welder-mates in the welding program at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, Washington. The way you are able to share your knowledge in welding is a gift that I respect with highest regard. From all us weld mongers out there: Thank you for sharing your experience and making SO MANY epic contributions to the blue-collar working society.

[@radek8200]

It's about welding but it's universal. That is exactly how I got my experience. Thank you!

[@alexdatsen8779]

Good advice Jody. I rewatch this video now and again as I dip further and further into this career of welding to see what I've already gone through and what's left to come. I'm only on my 4th stick welding class so by no means am I anywhere near qualified to give concrete advice, but my mistakes are plenty and still fresh in my mind so here is one observation I have had the experience to share. About Old-Timers teaching you their ways, well... there are two types of old-timers in this world. 1.The ones that are only too eager to share their knowledge and experience with us youngins, just like you have been doing on your channel for all of these years. These are the guys who you WANT to build a good working relationship with. Be courteous, respectful, understand that they've known and seen almost everything. Ask questions. Even if you think it's stupid, these men will only see a young mind that is eager to learn, and they'll be more than happy to help you achieve that. I'm not a teenager anymore but I can still recall that naive mindset of thinking I'm better than everyone and viewing adults as fools. I've since grown wiser and you will too in time, hopefully. Who knows, maybe that relationship will grow to a genuine friendship one day. 2. The grumpy old farts that intentionally conceal all useful information from you to their benefit. These people will bleed you dry for all you're worth and discard you until the next sucker comes along. Even when you make the effort to play nice, it will make absolutely no impact on their behaviour. They can be very dangerous to be around for they drain you of all motivation to learn and better yourself. Remember, they want you to remain stuck in a rut for the rest of your life while they keep profiting. You will often be placed in unsafe working conditions under such managers. My advice in dealing with such people: Learn all you can from them (keep in mind, you're starting from square one, there will always be something new to learn at least for a time) then get the hell out. My current welding instructor shared these words of wisdom: "You're not paid damn near enough to put yourself and your life at such risk." I'm talking to the guys making minimum wage. I'm there myself, and that advice hit me hard. Your life and health is priceless. Remember that. I've had the pleasure of dealing with both types of being, #1 being my welding instructor and #2 being my current boss. It's like night and day. I do what I can to protect myself at work. It can be hard some days, those are the days where I just want to give and and crawl back into my bed. On such days, keep the big picture in mind. Think of where you want to be in a few weeks, months, years. That's it for my bit of advice, keep going strong Jody, your videos have given me an absolute edge on starting my welding journey. My .02c

[@TeamWagy]

Subscribed after that dictator joke lol

[@adamszajman3870]

subscribed lol

[@patgraeme775]

Most important thing he touched on, in my opinion,is that you can find whatever job you're looking for, but there will always be the same barriers. Its YOU who finds the school/apprenticeship, its you who decides to wake up at 5am, its you who decides they are gonna have an early night to get to work early, its you who pass the weld test, its you who doesnt apply and get no where. Im no where but have never taken construction lighly, next to truck drivers and concrete, there is no market bigger than what YOU are going to do

[@jalcom69]

What a pleasant video again and your career itself proves to be filled with expertise jobs and constant learning! Thank you Jody for your attitude and commitment. As well as for not being a dick to people! :)

[@fizzldizz]

been welding for 13 years and i watch these videos and still learn good stuff thanks Jody keep it up love the videos.

[@balabay77]

All the dicktators who disliked this video should unsubscribe. Thank you Jody for sharing your knowledge and advice.

[@aerodicus]

Dictards!

[@EricWithTheBass]

Thanks to your videos Jody, i have reached 6G in TIG and MMA and passed the tests in February and im getting 6G in MIG before the summer too! Before i went this welding school (school for adults) i had completed 3 year Nature Science class but all the math and tons of study "because you need it later" that just felt bullcrap. After high school i went unemployed for 9 months before i went out looking for something fun before i went nuts. I went to the old school's careers consultant, and luckily she made the parable that silversmithing is similar too welding (I had applied and completed a silversmith course as extra graduate points). I made a visit and found it very interesting and i ended up here, on your channel, a couple of months before i went to welding school. I have studied for 2 years when im done (in June) and i have reached 6G in 2 methods, maybe may reach 3, last in MIG too. In this school, if they're lucky they graduate 1 pipe welder qualified in 1 method (usually TIG or MMA).Your videos encourage me to persistent, to just practice and practice till you'll get it. And it has payed of. You should talk to the AWS about your material being e-learning for International welding schools, becuase these tips are amazingly useful, especially the butt welds about keyholing. It is very encouraging for a newbie and everyone in school i met that is stuck at a certain position, i refer to this channel. You just dont tell how to get it done right, but also how to think and what to know and what to look after while welding (exampel keyhole in BW). I thank you and my 3 very competented instructors in school for making me find my thing in life. Your tips and of techniques and how to think while welding has helped me alot during my time in school! And those TIG-fingers really help :) / Kind Regards Eric

[@BadassWeldingVideos]

great bit of info here, thanks

[@andy_182]

Badass Welding Videos yoooooooooo!

[@carterbyers6172]

Word of advice for those 18-21 year olds who don't know what they want to do, sitting here at 23 thinking about going into welding after trying multiple college programs. If you don't know pick a trade you think you would enjoy, at least you learn as you make money. Can always change careers later. I always come to this video as I think about doing it. Great advice and I'm going to give it my shot to start a career in something for now, cheers!

[@jonnkatt87]

do you still think welding is a good field to get into now?

[@blakekenley1000]

Jonn Katt you cannot replace a man in this industry. Whether youre running a gun or a positioned machine, the welding unit itself has to be tuned. It takes guts though, ive been at it 4 years now. Its tough work starting out, most start as grinders or painters in production facilities, working up to being welders. You've gotta love it or you'll get burned out quick.

[@blok.8073]

True indeed Blake Kinley. I went from a helper to a welder. With a lot of practice and old head advice!

[@shawn01707]

This just shows how moving around from job to job is not always a bad thing. It is clearly why he has such a seemingly endless wealth of knowledge. The one thing that got me was Delta would not pay for his Cert! So he did! That shows right there that he was smarter than many of Delta’s current uppers who denied that. I would hate to be the guy who is asked why they let him go without a fight!

[@gunchief0811]

It's only gonna get BETTER. There's a lot of demand for certified well trained welders.

[@gunchief0811]

Only if u like making good money. For doing good work.

[@mystery10man]

My old man was a welder, at one time in the 60s and 70s he was considered a great welder in the state of Florida. That is what I was told by many people who worked with him. This video is great for the common sense it provides. A great teacher is one who wants to teach his or her students to turnout to be better then the teacher if the students are willing to listen and learn.

[@rafaelmorales1291]

That Guy Is awesome sharing his Knowledge 5💫

[@none-ofur-business8683]

Best advice i ever got was to work with the oldest person in the shop cuz they know all the tips and tricks. Now i find that i'm the oldest in the shop and only pass on all my knowledge to "a good person". Jody, you say exactly what my awesome welding instructor told me. Timeless advice for all welders, new or experienced.

[@antoniomarroquin3649]

I’m 39 and I’m attending welding school , I hope is not too late ..

[@Unibot47]

No way man, good luck!

[@Unibot47]

How are you liking it so far?

[@TourettesOrc]

Antonio Marroquin I hope it’s going well for you. I’ve been interested in welding for many years and put it off, got stuck in aimless jobs. I’m 31 about to enter college for welding and am very stoked.

[@MST9525]

Did you finish and working now?

[@dannydethanos6994]

I’m 19 just got a job offer from the welding contractors at my job, and I really feel this advice will help going forward in getting my certification and my career in general.

[@gingeritous]

I never went to school for welding but I worked at a place called gfs (Gas Field Specialists) for about 8 months until the pipeline got slow and ended up getting laid off.. although while I was there I stayed after almost everyday for 6 months along with the welder I was helping at the time and learned an awful lot I love welding but now trying to get my foot in the door for just some structural stuff seems impossible any advice do I absolutely need to go to school or is there another approach I could take any info would be greatly appreciated

[@iw63boomer]

@DirtyAC - Times are tight all over. I know advertisements keep talking about how welders are in short supply, and then no one can find a job. Things will get better, then wages will get better. Opportunity is greater in larger metropolitan areas. If you are in a smaller market, then you need to find an area of expertise, fill it and get a reputation as being a go to guy in those areas you have embraced. Learn as much as you can; the more you can do, the more employable you become!

[@gingeritous]

iw63boomer man I hope so I'm only 21 but I have 3 weld certifications and I still can't find any work I even have a heavy equipment, fork truck and man lift cert even out of state I can't find work lol hopefully it will pickup soon

[@iw63boomer]

Where are you located? Go on the Tips and Tricks web site, and click on the link to the 'forum'. Spend your first post introducing yourself. After that, ask if anyone knows of any work on your area. The guys are always ready to help out!

[@gingeritous]

iw63boomer I'm in western New York close to the pa border and alright I'll give that a shot thanks

[@TourettesOrc]

DirtyAC Fishing how are things going for you now? I’m about to start my weld cert

[@TheMikeyv1979]

Jody your videos are freaking amazing!!!! I cant thank you enough for taking the time to publish and share your years of experience for us to benefit from. I have been mig welding for years and now have landed a great opportunity of stick welding for my employer in the elevator trade and your videos on 2g uphill welding with a 7018 rod have been tremendous help for me. Thank you Michael V

[@NancyASMR]

Ok don't laugh how can I find a sweat shop. I need a place to practice after the welding night class im taking m im serious btw. I want experience.

[@larrysperling8801]

great advice jody. i was a service manager in heavy industry for over 30 yrs and every thing you said rings true. as an apprentice millwright i can remember being pushed off the end of a bench at the lunch table for taking an "old timers" spot,but i paid my dues ,learned a lot along the way,took advantage of educational opportunities and now i'm an "old timer".

[@Shroommduke]

DICK-tater LOL Imagine that, another big sleazy corporation blaming the workers while management polishes their golden parachutes... Good advice / rant! Got any advice for an old welder?

[@ryanjones9305]

Everyone young man joining the workforce should watch this video and take your advice to heart, whether they're going into welding or civil service. I think we can all look back at ourselves and see how we had to learn the hard way in some form or another. It's always less painful to learn by the mistakes of others. You're a good human being Jody.