Welding School vs Welder Helper

[@brianbarbour2531]

I started at a community college for 5mos. learned to weld 6010/7018 structural and 6g Pipe as well Tig 6g pipe. I started to work in chicken plants and paper mills for $23/h after 6 mos. I worked a Pipe Fab shop for another 6mos., started in a chemical plant making $140K a year after 1.5 years from the time i started the school. been doing it for 10 plus years now and finally got my CWI, Welding definitely pays the bills.

[@JacobSchofield]

Brian Barbour man I hope everyone buddy reads this. Your a stud. Next move for me I'm thinking about the CWI course

[@xTheNameisEthan]

Brian Barbour is that pretty uncommon? that seems like ridiculously good money

[@mariorodriguez6792]

ckryegrass11 and you all both worked welding and got promoted right? Did you all do school? Thanks!

[@larrymasterspowerbuildingc4477]

That's amazing, Brian. Congratulations, Sir. I'm just starting school. 1st one to show, last one to go, working on skillin up every day!

[@ryancrowell5670]

I'm just starting school this fall, I really appreciate your knowledge and advice. Helpful for a guy just starting out !

[@JacobSchofield]

Ryan Crowell man stoked for you let us know how you do.

[@castrovirgo3157]

So how did everything work out buddy?

[@PurpleSpcaeCadet]

i worked as a helper on one job and i loved everything about it. im starting my 5th year of a 5 year pipefitter's apprenticeship and plan to switch over to the pipeline division when i get out of my time. i think its wise for me to be a helper on a few jobs before goin as a welder. love all the videos my brother very inspiring!!

[@welder689]

I started out as a grinder/metal finisher in a stainless steel shop in 1980. I quickly went back to school (part-time ) to learn how to MIG and TIG stainless. Got in to doing ASME pressure vesssels, pipe, sanitary tube, structural steel, etc. Been teaching for ten years now. Learn all the processes, how to read prints, weld symbols, and how to read a tape measure! Welding is a great way to make a living. You will get out of it what you put in to it, no matter what path you choose. Great video!

[@agustinhernandez6094]

mac welder what math is needed out as a welder. And does reading a tape measure help aswell

[@jimlbeam]

I'm far from a form of pipe welder, but I learned alot more sitting on the back of my buddies rig and watch his welds than the vol tech college welding program in western Kansas, at that time it was a good fab school, a stepping stone I pose . KZbin these days is a great tool for watching the arc.

[@carlmayer7035]

what votech did you go too? I'm from goodland KS.

[@jimlbeam]

Carl Mayer yes nwktc

[@JacobSchofield]

jimlbeam for sure if a guy will just sit there and soak it in they can learn a ton

[@dannogreen561]

Great info bro. Well explained too. Been a shop hand up here in canada for the last 10 yrs. Do mostly fab work. You're right all the money is in pipe welding either rigged up or by hand. I'm almost ready for my 6g 6in and 2in in January. It's a slow go when you're raising a family on my single income. But regardless I try to find the time to get my pipe skills up to par. I weld all week then come home practice tig all weekend. You gotta have the desire to succeed in this trade. There is always a better weldor out there Learn from them and share your knowledge. I will always help an apprentice or helper we were all there once before.

[@JacobSchofield]

Danno buddy you are doing it right no doubt. keep in touch and let us know how your doing

[@ErickRodriguez-lu4kp]

Hey dude Here from Dallas,Tx Im 18, barely gonna start out in Lincoln tech this fall i find these video extremely helpful and keep em comin'

[@JacobSchofield]

Erick Rodriguez thanks man will do for sure

[@JacobSchofield]

Erick Rodriguez hey man right on thanks for being here

[@elividz6455]

I'm from Dallas too bro and I'm looking for good welding schools

[@osvaldolerma9111]

Erick Rodriguez I’m about to start this September

[@alexquintero4807]

Erick if you like to weld you will make it. I was a welder helper before became welder on pipeline (colonial), I quiet because always away from home and now I built residential houses in NJ.

[@gunchief0811]

dude thanks a whole lot brotha. for your truth. I am a retired U.S. Marine I served in Artillery for 21 years and now was trying to find another thing to be passionate about and I looked into welding and I really like it. so I'm enrolled in a 1 year school at a college to become a Certified welder in California.. and I look forward to where the career will take me .but just wanted to say thanks alot for your good advixe and for taking the time to post this vid.. I guess the question I would have for you is what do you recommend as far as what tools to invest in that will be essential for a welder.. especially tools that make money ..

[@squarehammer4619]

Great video Jacob. Im from Pa and just started as a helper last tuesday in Ohio on the gas pipeline and I already have a small amount of basic knowledge of welding from working on cars but Ive already learned so much about the entire process, and Im not just talking about welding. The entire process of the natural gas pipeline coming off the drilling rig. Im right in the middle of it everyday and Im making more money than Ive ever made and Ive worked all kinds of jobs and have had a window tinting business for the last 17yrs. Problem is its seasonal so a good friend asked if I wanted to be his helper so I decided to try it and Im already thinking of becoming a welder. Hes a great guy whos willing to share all his tricks with me so I agree with you and Ive felt this way about many different jobs that require this kind of skill that its always better to learn hands on in the field. School has its place but I wasted 20k on school for computer aided drafting back in 2000 when I graduated from PTI in Pittsburgh Pa. Couldnt find a job and decided I couldnt sit at a desk all day. Sorry Im rambling but point is Im amazed at how much money these pipe welders make including me as a helper so Im planning on being very smart with my money and hopefully in some years start welding and saving money. Thanks for these videos, very informative and for me whos new at this kind of work, makes me better at my job.

[@DeadlyVerge]

I've been in the industry here in Canada since high school working in mining, forestry, manufacturing, construction and naval shipyard. Got tired of laboring so decided to go for my welding foundation (level 1 and 2) at age 27. Got a good job waiting for me at the shipyard when im done, but no guarantee of an apprenticeship right away. Anyways I was as green as the next guy starting out, but you can't beat the on-job experience you get from being out there. Welding coupons in the flat position in a state of the art shop is fine but then you get on the job and your welder is twisted in a confined space, welding left handed using a pocket mirror to see what he's doing. School is a good option to get your foot in the door, but whatever path you end up taking you gotta dive in head first and take responsibility for your own skills. Welding is simple but nobody said it was easy.

[@Jesusisking12011]

Jacob, I am a welder helper. But I am enrolled in welding school. I have learned so much from helping my welder because I have my hands on stuff. My first welder was Dustin Stareck. That kid is jam up. I learned a few things about fab up, prints, and other things. I will be withdrawing from welding school. I really appreciate your videos. I haven't broke out yet but I am just about there. Stay safe bro.

[@travisshamp3580]

Good speech there Jacob. I'm one of those Few that has helped a lot of My helpers. I Remember Where I come from and How I Started. Lol. I'm a OJT trained hand myself with my Books. Keep burning buddy.

[@JacobSchofield]

Travis Shamp right on brother I like hearing it! Glad there are people out there like you.

[@IXIIXI433]

This video is all i needed to move forward. Thanks Jacob

[@texaspipefitter6335]

School teaches you how to run beads work experience is way different you actually learn how to weld in school you fit every coupon yourself making it easy out in the real world not every fitter fits up a nice piece

[@boblitchko2979]

Great advice young fellow.I've been welding for years and still enjoy it and still learning(at 74 years of age)also taught my 2 boys how to weld.Keep up the good work.

[@JacobSchofield]

bob litchko thank you sir I appreciate it

[@chuckhickman8093]

Here's my thoughts on welding school vs a welder helper job or even someone learning in their garage by laying beads and watching videos on youtube. At the end of the day as long as you can lay a good bead, that's all that matters. However, I believe that the best welders have a combination of a technical education, as well as on the on the job experience. A degree or certification will open more doors in the welding field. The on the job experience will help you for things that a welding school just can't teach, such as dealing with bad fit up. Here's a little bit about my educational background and how I got involved in welding. During my sophomore year of high school, I was able to take metal shop. There I learned basic welding and decided I wanted to weld. My high school was associated with a trade school that allowed dual enrollment during your jr and sr year of high school. I was able to go to welding school for free, except for my my hood, tools, and boots. After graduation, I decided to further my education at a local 2 year college where I got an Associates Degree in welding and fabrication. This has opened many doors in welding for me. After graduation I got into a heavy fabrication shop, where I got some hands on structural experience. We spray arced everything there. After a year, I decided it was time to move on. I got into the pipeline. There I made great money until oil and gas slowed down. From there I did boiler work. Now I'm working on starting my own shop.

[@JacobSchofield]

Chuck Hickman words of wisdom brother love hearing about your business start up. I defentely think combinations of education and field experience is great I did not do it that way but I know lots of welders that did. Thanks for the awesome comment.

[@TourettesOrc]

Chuck Hickman how’s it going for you now did you get your shop up and running

[@chuckmiller5763]

You learn a lot about metallurgy and many other types of welding in school. I did 4 years in welding school and certified on a few different welds in different positions, back then, we had certification cards for different welds with different rods in different positions. But I was not a pipe welder at all. I knew about it but we didnt do it a lot in school. I had to practice, and practice and practice. I had to relearn pipe welding from everything else that has to do with welding. Best to learn in the field. Be a helper and practice at night.

[@JacobSchofield]

Thats my thoughts too. thats how I did it was going out as a helper.

[@chuckmiller5763]

A welder told me my biggest break on pipe welding, he told me to keep that rod pointing to the very center of the pipe. An imaginary string running through the center, point the rod at the string. Now I know this was his way, but it worked for me and I adjusted as I needed to later on for what worked better for me.

[@JacobSchofield]

Great great tip and your right sometimes you jsut need a tip to get you going then later on start adopting other welders ways of welding and make them your own.

[@Ace-yf3xf]

Thanks for the video! Looking at being a helper but also willing to rig up!

[@LordAero316]

I'm the master welder for a plant and from my own personal experience, dealing with a ton of different welders... The best welders I've seen was self taught. All the certified welders I've dealt with, just plain out sucked. I'm not saying this holds true with everyone, just the ones I've dealt with. The guys who taught themselves, with very little experience, out shined the school boys.

[@JacobSchofield]

Lord Aero I really think there is a very different learning curve depending on where you come from either school or a helper I agree with your point

[@valken666]

An average or bad school kills the person's motivation, will to learn and innovate imo. Go to the very best or be self taught.

[@solobusiness4320]

Lord Aero bro this sounds dumb like guys with no experience are magically better then kids who go to school lol I think u need to go back to school

[@carlostorres8771]

A master welder never says he’s a master welder you chump.

[@patriotskingnation8084]

Yeah this is so false dude not true Jacob said it best is a toss up My uncle is an instructor and he said a lot of great welders have come from school but being a helper is also good since you’re learning on the field but you still have to break out and learn how to weld many don’t have an instructor and are learning by themselves and they also have to know how to read prints and stuff which may take longer where in school you can learn it all less than 2 years unlike but you join as a single hand welder my uncle said a lot of them aren’t a use to the environment but the ones that come with degreee/Certs many of them becomes supervisors / instructors

[@bigdoink7200]

really interested in getting in the field. just finished a one year welding program. keep up the awesome videos man!

[@camerondierking49]

I got into truck and trailer mechanics by on the job training which involved fabrication and mig and stick welding. I stayed late at the shop everyday for a few months just messing around with a mig and stick machine. I watched lots of KZbin videos and became a pretty decent mig and stick welder. I eventually took a different job working on tanker trailers. My mechanical skills got my foot in the door then I watched the guys tig weld on the pressure vessel tankers and then stayed late and practiced tig welding. When the chance finally came my boss asked if I could tig weld and I told him kind of. He had me run a beed on some stainless and told me that I could run a better bead than half of the guys in the shop. Moral of the story is you can only be as good as you want to be.

[@Ctrl.Alt.DeFeaT]

great video, i just subscribed. im lookin to get started in welding myself. i kinda stumbled into welding by accident and found out i love it. trade school will not be an option for me to so for me its just practice practice practice on my tig stick welder till i can get my foot in the door somewhere

[@JacobSchofield]

Ctrl Alt DeFeaT hey man that's how a lot of us get started and that's how I did it. You got it let us know how your doing

[@codydayton3573]

This is good information. I 've been wanting to get out on a pipeline . I have my own machine I practice everyday . I have a lincoln ranger 225 in the back of my 1500 dodge ram .

[@JacobSchofield]

Cody Dayton right on let me know how your doing and if need any help let me know

[@mikewhite3123]

Started out as an electrical helper on big electrical jobs on oil rigs, all weld in cable tray, so had to do both, draggin leads and carrying carrying ladders... You learn quick and it's sink or swim, but if it was easy everyone would do it . .

[@trilltex9329]

So to become a welder helper all you have to do is ask who’s hiring at the welding school or?

[@MiguelMoreno-sg9bj]

Don't know if this viable for everyone. But my state had 2 locations where you can take an advance welding course for about 4 months, 8-5 pm, 5 days a week. They only accept around 10 people per course but you only had to pay $25 application fee. Was a helper for two years before I decided to take this course. Figured I put this out there as another option for people who might want to learn from a teacher/class environment.

[@mendoblendo321]

"They go back to welding or they get rub off" 🤣🤣🤣classic. I'm taking classes at the community College for SMAW welding atm. 2nd semester. Having hard time finding work

[@outherefishingtv8701]

I start Monday next week as a welder helper also welding training program. I'm excited to start doing what I love to do .just need some advise

[@PurpleSpcaeCadet]

i first learned to gas weld back in 99-00 in high school. i went to trade school in 2013 got a non union job welding structural steel. all flat all fcaw. boring and so was the pay. i hated that job but it what kick started my career and the need for something better and more challenging. huge difference between welding plate and pipe. once i pass the UA21 i can weld on the job. that 2" xx heavy is though and i will keep burning wire untill i get it just right.

[@jalennicholson83]

I'm from a small lil town in Alabama I would love to been a welder helper but the best was a community college learning a lot in I go at night 4-9:30 but welding at a fab shop 7-3:45 not to far from my school welding aluminum n aluminum pipe.

[@Ben-lo7cy]

I want to start welding just for hobby and small projects. Earlbeck puts on short courses so I think I might just go there for the basics and go home and practice

[@kylemorgan8240]

So I'm a welder at a company now in Virginia. I can weld stick pipe well and do uphill. I have only been doing it a year but have been blessed to have learned quickly. For someone who is new to construction but stick welds better than most around here should I try to be a welder right out the gate out there somewhere or should go to that school you were talking about? Or be a welders helper. I can't tip pipe and I've never tried to mig pipe. Whatever advice you can give I'm ready to get out there.

[@adamsiljenberg8992]

Hey I appreciate the videos I've been welding for 8 years in this shop doing tig and mig x-rays how do I get out there to be a helper on the pipeline

[@foxmoulder7724]

18 an hour as an inexperienced helper? shit id take min wage , just need that foot in the door learning experience. in weld school atm and dont worry wont cost me more than a grand

[@JacobSchofield]

Fox Moulder man just get on the phone and start calling around to all these shops and contractors you will find a spot.

[@hemiyachtcharger6538]

I just got out of Lincoln big rip off.They did a presentation in class advertising 20k for 9 months, Stick, Mig,Tig, blueprint classes, and all material given . Ive watched 6 of youre vids and learned way more than my teacher who spent no more than 5 minutes in my booth lmao

[@wanabeguitarguy]

thanks for this video.. I am looking to get into welding and this certainly helped.

[@JacobSchofield]

Charles Kingsley glad your with us

[@keltonbennion6521]

a video on stting up a branch test would be a big help man. keep up the good work.

[@JacobSchofield]

Kelton Bennion it might take me quite a bit to get a video build but I have a set of templates that are incredable!!!! I built them. I'll try and build a video showing you how to lay one out and then how well my templates work.

[@keltonbennion6521]

dude that would be awesome. I'm going to welding school at the moment but they aren't showing us anything like that. it sucks.

[@keltonbennion6521]

a rig walkaround would be awesome to.

[@JacobSchofield]

Kelton Bennion most welding schools will. It teach you the branch because single hand welding jobs usually will not require it but rig welding jobs, a lot of them will have a branch test. It's going to take me a little while to get a video built for you guys. I'm working 7/12 right now. But soon as I get a break I'll build a video.

[@keltonbennion6521]

thanks man keep up the good work

[@Welderboy1977]

The more you learn the more youre worth

[@JacobSchofield]

Amen

[@FamousFunkyFreshFool]

What do you need to know to become a welder helper and what does it entail

[@JacobSchofield]

justin rob basically most important thing is to go find a welder that will teach you. Be willing to learn and they will help you.

[@rednecklowlife]

I Don't think it would even be easy to get a helper job now days!!! Unless you know some one!! Unlike if your a welder. They will hire you if you can pass the test!

[@ronaldportillo448]

What about if you do both? Go to school and then get a job as a welder helper?

[@patriotskingnation8084]

Kind of difficult since being a helper they work long hours and their schdule can change during a school semester

[@davidwilson5613]

Awesome video! I got a lot more to think about now...

[@JacobSchofield]

David Wilson right on thanks for being with us

[@geneturner6116]

So I went to school not like a fancy school just somewhere to get hands on and learn what to do but I never really got into pipe work I would like to that was the ultimate goal just never maid it there yet

[@ATOGMILSIM]

Whenever you go out for your first helper job do you just rent a hotel while you’re there or where do you stay at? I am about to finish welding school and want to be a helper for a year or so to transition myself into the field and learn what school can’t teach me?

[@Koreyrp92]

I taught myself to weld at 17. My first welding job was on the railroad at 21 left there at 24 now I'm 25 in school for welding. Looking to go out to the pipeline now and I found this video very helpful. Just one question what the process of getting a helper?

[@backtothecountryside7441]

Hey can u make video about eye protections , Is welding job harmful for our health when we work all day long and for couple years

[@michaelhoward7226]

How do you go and become a welders helper? I went to welding school and all that and have been working as a welder at a local mill, but I am wanting to get into the pipeline field. But I want to go as a helper for a while to learn the ropes, any suggestions? just haven't had any luck with getting my foot in the door

[@davidfisherworkmadefun1592]

I'm having trouble with my uphill root on plate in school can you make a video that could possibly help me with that I go to frank Phillips college welding school in borger tx thank you

[@davidfisherworkmadefun1592]

I'm doing 6010 root

[@JacobSchofield]

weld.com does some great uphill videos

[@agustinhernandez6094]

David fisher if you are going to welding school ask your instructor for help that is why they are there thats why you pay them to teach you.

[@mattcrowell7945]

what's your opinion an the best welding machine to buy for a guy just start in out?

[@JacobSchofield]

Matt 5000 my first welding machines were SA200 great great machines. I've had pipe pro, 300d and seriously an SA200 is a great machine to start with and continue welding with for your whole career you can pick them up from between 3,000-15,000 depending on conversion kits and just how fancy you want to get. There also easy to fix if anything goes wrong. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

[@mattcrowell7945]

Jacob Schofield thanks! I have found a few decent sa200's in 4-5000$ range and I don't realy want to spend more than that

[@ruslankasymakunov2737]

I'm a welder too,thank you,practice better then study!!!!

[@southernfarmer8526]

What are your thoughts on companies running there on welding school? I been looking at going to the local junior college for welding but found out one of the local welding/crane companies here will teach you how to weld. They do mostly structure welding but think they do a lot of pipe for boilers in power houses. Enjoy the videos!

[@JacobSchofield]

hey man whatever it takes to do what you want is all i got say. if it helps you get closer to what you want then get after it.

[@user-mt9tn1ni4g]

Yeah whatever good luck stay safe out there!!! Wear respirator

[@UnimpressedGoose]

I became a welder by getting hired on a labourer n worked hard n worked my way up to become a certified welder. We have people come in from the schools n they barely know anything. They learned how to weld on perfect material with perfect equipment. I learned how to weld on the job site which is much more realistic than the schools. I do think welding schools are good but they’re not everything cuz actual work experience can’t be learned in a school

[@JacobSchofield]

I agree 100% I was a welder helper. These schools are really stepping up there game though I've been to a few that are setting up super realistic set ups and expecting you to figure out how to weld it.

[@UnimpressedGoose]

Jacob Schofield that’s the way it should be done at the schools. It’s nice to hear that they’re making changes like that

[@jswishdafish]

What about it you are already a pipefitter and have been for years but never learned to weld. Im in virginia but have worked up and down the east coast and a little in wv and ohio. Never really have the chance to learn during breaks or anything. Most jobs tig the whole pipe or tig the root and stick out. Whats your opinion with my situation?

[@acornfed6484]

jswishdafish if you have a way to pay, go to school.

[@jswishdafish]

@@acornfed6484 im looking for a certification program that does pipe welding

[@acornfed6484]

There are several in your home state, you just have to look into them.

[@Aykutreyes]

I don't understand what the term Single hand welder means if you could explain I would appreciate it

[@chenelson185]

in electrical school they taught me you can still get electrocuted standing on cement ,something if you make that mistake as a helper is byby for you ,you be Pushing Daisies out of the ground,,but if you went to class you 10 pieces of glass jar & a piece of plywood on top ,you be very safe ,what if the guy said to you lets remove this wire ,and forgot to tell you about the cement or a wood ladder vs aluminum ladder you need the class if you want to go home

[@JacobSchofield]

Nelson Dacosta boss this is welding School brother. And yes the welders you help know more then you and it's there job to teach you. You can do it either way. For electrical stuff isn't it required you go to school to become a certified electrician? I've always thought that. But hey man I'm not here to fight or argue I made it as helper and some guys go to school no right or wrong way to do it. Thanks for the comment

[@zachmerrill6131]

I’m in school, I have 0 experience no welder and took a loan out my ass to go to school..I’m scared man

[@JacobSchofield]

tear it up brother sounds like you got a lot of fire behind you and you have no choice but to make it happen. I like hearing it.

[@AlphaHeLIxCIA]

If you're in school you've got nothing to be scared of. Kill it in your shop, learn whatever you can, find a welding type (Stick, MIG or TIG) and master it. If you play your cards right, you can make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, no bullshit.

[@jbone4217]

I'm in the same boat now, about to start school, nervous as all hell but excited. Every night I go to bed thinking of all the outcomes to go wrong or right, all I can do is my best. But god damn these jitters. Hope you're doing well and wish me luck

[@omarrojas8372]

Starting welding school in 3 weeks! God bless me

[@castrovirgo3157]

Hows it going?

[@gunfighterdrummer]

Love this video. Shows the view from a young man with some experience in the work life. I do have a question though. Do you have any thoughts on apprenticeship welding programs?

[@booboocachoo3444]

am about to finish up my associates, God willing with this covid stuff. I am planning on going into being a welder helper. Is that not a thing?

[@billmcyrus]

How often does the occasion to Tig come up?

[@ilovereba1120]

school (not saying don't go. school is a plus) does not teach you real life situations were a issue might occur. a helper you are put in a real work environment and you can see how the welder solves these issues were as a instructor won't. don't take this wrong school is very important and it does offer it's bonuses.

[@JacobSchofield]

Michael Fu for sure I completely agree with you.

[@jasonlyle3818]

mik fu your grammar is terrible

[@durtydeedsREI]

I guess the big thing for me is that I don't know anyone who welds and I don't have any experience in welding. So really, the best way for me is to go to a school and learn. The "school" is a 18 week course ran by UA.

[@JTwelder.]

Seams to me either way you can be a great welder. Just if you are a helper you make money while learning instead of spending money to learn so it comes up on top in my mind

[@JacobSchofield]

very true basically like the old school blacksmith apprentice

[@Revy]

Im 17, currently a Jr in highschool doing tech prep for welding and have my SMAW certification and currently testing for FCAW. After next year, I plan on having my SMAW, FCAW and GTAW. A few of us are selected to go out and get jobs during our senior year starting at $15/ hour. After I get some shop experience, should I join my local pipe fitters union or call companies and get contacts on becoming a welders helper and eventually a Rig welder?

[@JacobSchofield]

RevEclipse you are on top of it. Your well on your way to becoming a rig welder, are you welding any pipe yet or just structural? As far as the union goes that's up to you. I have never been union but know a lot of guys and have a few friends that are. Some of them stay busy most of them are starving and still having to pay those union dues. Union welders I believe cannot not work straight contract meaning a w-9 or a 1099 which is where I make most of my money. I'm on a job right now in North Dakota making over 5,000 a week. It is straight contract I have friends in Colorado making over 100.00hr. Now as far as your next step I would get you some pipe and start learning how to do open root tig/stick do a lot of 7018, 7010(hyp) and 8010 (70+) start learning how to do that and pass practice the tests You could leave high school and go weld single hand making 70,000 a year. Also go get you a job while your in school just like your thinking about doing. The more time under the hood the better!!! Learn to fabricate learn to be a clean welder and you will have it in the bag!!

[@Revy]

Thanks for the advice Jacob, I'm sure there are many others looking for this information that are in the same position I am. I'll pass it on!

[@justinwhite3153]

I am a Union Pipefitter. Best training you can get. UNION PROUD

[@JacobSchofield]

Justin White right on buddy nothing against the union you guys are great I have lots of buddies who are union and are jam up welders. It's just something I'm not interested in. I like being able to do any job I want without worrying about getting caught or fined by the hall.

[@nwanabless7043]

Hi bros I'm an arc welder an am ready to go as a helper I really need to do a pipeline weldering

[@texasland3070]

Hey man so recently I applied for the apprentice program at the local union where I stay and unfortunately I didn’t get accepted so I was trying to see like if you think I should go to lone star College or a community college to learn welding because I have absolutely have no knowledge about it or no experience and I really do wanna learn this trade

[@justinrutter1393]

Thank you Jacob for your video. It sounds like the pipeline is fast crazy long hour work. I've heard this from a pipeline welder too. I'm almost 40 years old. Is there any type of welding you think that I could start out as and get hired after schooling and do good not being a young buck as yourself. I'm just saying. Its sounds like I wouldn't get hired just stating out at my age on the pipeline. Are the other types of welding jobs worth it? Would I make a decent wage for my family?

[@JacobSchofield]

Justin Rutter oh yeah for sure Justin. I mean there is no reason a guy couldn't go run a pipeline lots of 65 year old boys running it still to this day.

[@w.d.huneycutt3267]

heres the hell... ive dedicated the last few years i worked for a pipeline company, went to welding school, now i cant seem to find a gig as a helper hand, ive stopped rigs knocked on doors, so on... i can weld read pronts and do alot but feel i need more helper experience, how the hell do i get on somewhere as a helper

[@alonzosanchez8577]

David h Contact The Pipeliners Union Local 798

[@JacobSchofield]

David h keep doing just what your doing.

[@genemelewski7480]

Jacob, Been welding for 30 years in NewEngland (not pipe). I have my own rig. My 20 year old son helps me out on local jobs and is interested in traveling with me chasing pipe as my helper. Do many welder/ welder helper teams get hired together on pipeline jobs? Thank you.

[@JacobSchofield]

Gene Melewski oh yeah buddy you bet. Usually when you hire on they ask if your bringing your own helper or if they need to have one ready for you. Hope that helps thanks for the comment. If you have anymore questions let me know I'll try and answer them.

[@davesmith1574]

Jacob Schofield , Just found your channel, love your videos on welding. You give advice on this industry for people wanting to weld.

[@BecomingEve]

Hi Jacob, great video. I just have to ask what is your advice and thoughts about females in the industry, for I am interested in going to welding school to provide a better life for my baby boy . I am a single mother currently working the medical field and feel it isn’t for me . Thank you Evonne

[@austinhighfill4763]

There are alot of women in the welding field. If you can learn it they'll be glad to have ya. You'll catch some grief over it, just grin and do you

[@kooperporter1608]

I’m 16 and already got certified in 4 welds at my high school and already have my osha card and I think I would rather start out as welders helper

[@jj90789]

Was thinking about going to be a helper for the Boilermakers union 647. Want to get in as an apprentice. U think this would be a good route?

[@JacobSchofield]

If thats what you want to do thenl yes.

[@royestrada7061]

Just got done with school, I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how to get a job?

[@JacobSchofield]

Roy Estrada call call call shake hands and meet new people all the time

[@mattsexton3844]

I think the problem with the young guys that go through welding school is that they have one or two instructors that show them one or two ways to do things versus getting on the job experience working with many different welders and learning a ton of different techniques and being able to use different ones depending on what you're welding, position, welding machine ect.. I think you can get a huge head start if you start as a helper instead of going to school. Just my opinion.

[@patriotskingnation8084]

Exactly and I learned more from students / welders than the actual instructors

[@6822101081]

How do I get into pipeline welding

[@Dazeys]

how did you start off as welders helper

[@JacobSchofield]

I was helping a cutting horse trainer and got lucky with my first job. my sec helper job It took a lot more phone calls and shaking hands with everyone I could.

[@Dazeys]

@@JacobSchofield I have no experience with this I want to be a helper but I feel like I dont know enough about it. should I try to be a labor hand first before trying something I know nothing about? Also could you tell me a little bid about labor hands like is it back breaking work and is it constant or is there alot of breaks?

[@jessicarose9724]

How about the union. 5 years of a paid apprenticeship, and then break out as a bad ass welder with a retirment and annuity. Work local all year long for $ 36 an hour working 40s with weekend double time or go all over the USA chasing that big money.

[@JacobSchofield]

Either way is great for sure. lots of buddies that went the union route and there great people

[@jessicarose9724]

Andy Bradford well if you are already really skilled in the trade you can go to your local union and talk to them. If not you can go through a 5 year program working and going to school, so that you can earn your book. It is a lot of school and training, but once you are done you are a SKILLED hand.

[@TheTtribe]

The takeaway from your conversation here Jacob, should be- If you live in an area where the work is readily available, and you are very self propelled, then Helper could be the way to go. If you are 18 and have a work ethic that is not fully developed, you might want to go the school route. Just watching Jacob videos, you can see that he pushed himself through his own training regimen. Jacob, could probably step into a university and succeed in any different program he chooses. Its all about the drive. One thing the diploma buys is a little bit of recognition. A potential employer may not hire you if he is busy running down a pipeline and doesn't have the time to figure out if you are in the field you want to be in. At least the diploma says that you have some commitment to the job, and you have the basics to start up with him.

[@excliam]

you say pinedale did you ever do work with stallion oil?

[@JacobSchofield]

Luke Parkinson I didn't man I was a helper for zephyr for a few months then broke out welding. Are you still in pinedale that's where my in-laws are from

[@excliam]

no I lived in big piny for a few years working as a roustabout till I decided that the welders have it made. so I learned how to weld and I'm going to try like heck to break out in june. need a little bit more practice up hill

[@masonrounds2391]

What's a single handed welder? Also what's best company to call

[@JacobSchofield]

Mason Rounds a single hand welder is a welder that hires onto a company and the company provides all the equipment except basic hand tools and hood. And companies to call there are tons of em just start calling.

[@collinspizzaro9482]

I an like for a welding school

[@collinspizzaro9482]

I am like for a welding school this is my number 971527721948

[@carakerusaf]

Hey Jacob, thanks for your time. I am a retired (medically) from the U.S. Air Force. I am 31 and looking for a new career. I am pretty interested in this trade. I am currently looking at KWI or Kentucky Welding Institute. Have you heard of it and if so do you know if it is a good school? Also, do you know or recommend any other ones around the country. Me and my family live in the South (Tennessee). I would be willing to go anywhere in the country, but prefer the South, midwest, or East coast to go to school. Thanks man, hope to hear from you!

[@JacobSchofield]

man i really dont know to be honost with you. i went to kansas in dodge city they have a great facility i got to go tour it, idaho falls has a great school and a lot of welders come out of tulsa

[@carakerusaf]

Hey, just thought I would ask. No worries. Take care.

[@patrykherrera535]

Hey Jacob Im a Rig Welder and Im out of work right know, I was in Williston Nd and I was wondering if you know of any Rig Work.

[@JacobSchofield]

Patryk Herrera man I wish I did!! I kinda lucked out on the job I got now.

[@JacobSchofield]

Patryk Herrera try watford city I heard there is supposed to be like 9 compressor units getting built somewhere over there I don't know who has the work but I can try to find out. Shoot me a text with your name and I'll see what I can do 208-351-1013

[@dylanweitzel3972]

Welder helper for 3 yrs after yr 1 I decided weldings what I want to do bought my welder towed it home with my Honda!! Practiced for 2 yrs finally feel I’m ready bought my truck few months ago and test in 2 weeks everyone I know that went to school sit in a shop in there booth and weld the same shit every day. Welder helper is the way to go

[@Deebo99]

I went to school now im a combo welder making 225k+ a year... coming home every night.

[@erniefacio5532]

Tig Welder mind explaining what a combo welder is, im currently learning Stick

[@Deebo99]

@@erniefacio5532 combo welder can weld stick/tig/flux/mig/sub arc. Read iso drawing. I might be leaving some stuff out because I'm half asleep but that's pretty much all I do....

[@harleypalmer823]

So do you have to be certified with a high school diploma or g.e.d to be hired

[@JacobSchofield]

no you do not. my father in law never finished highschool and I finished online.

[@harleypalmer823]

@@JacobSchofield thanks for getting back to me i learn through watching and your videos brake ever thing down and make it easy to understand keep them coming

[@steveljr]

I started out as a helper with a stainless tank co for $11 hr in 04 and was at top pay at $18 in 06 about year an half and then went to local 83 boilermakers starting out at top pay $32 in 08 and i dont have g.e.d

[@chuckhunter6098]

Hey brother's of the hood. There are no master welder s. Everyone is good in there filled. It's to big of a trade to do everything. I retired in 2017 after a 40 year career as single had and rig hand. You learn something on every job. My best redirection was to teach the young ones. I was hard on them boys. Some of them are superent now. I miss the work but not the bullshit. It's beer time.

[@JacobSchofield]

So much drama any more in the field seems like just four years ago it was completely different. Congrats on getting g to retirement if you spent 40 years doing this my hat is off to you.

[@largerooster2059]

Join the union ace, five years paid schooling and welding training too. Turn out after five years then go anywhere in the USA and make journeyman wage all day long! Good luck.

[@JacobSchofield]

Kiulama Kalama man dude I like it and I know a lot of people go that route I was a helper for just a little under two years and have been welding ever since. Where are you right now?

[@foxyslandscapingexcavation9207]

my school is 18,000.00 for Johnson iam right in the middle of trying to get a scholarship for welding

[@JacobSchofield]

Foxy 17 not a waste of money at all. If this school provides you with what you need to get out on the job you will make that money back in a few months . Great choice man keep learning let us know how your doing

[@elcajoia619]

Really? In the 80's I paid for school that isn't that much cheaper, I got my trade, went to journey level in about 5 yrs., around year 15 your getting closer to Master level, go anywhere and fit right in and learn from other Master level tradesman, never say no to school.

[@TourettesOrc]

Desert Fox 17 ugh my school is just under 10grand. and if your income is crap you can get grants too. I went to a private institution back in 2006 and learned I will never make that mistake again. Just go to a community college...

[@n8baca32]

Just got a new welder out of from the welding school in tulsa, Oklahoma. Guess what, this guy can't even get a root in. Save your money and get trained by a UA welding scool.. I had a 2nd year apprentice that couldnt pass his UA test however he was able to get a state recognized cert the next day. UA IS HIGHER STANDARDS, look into it, no scholarships needed.

[@MeanGreene87]

What welding machine did you buy?

[@JacobSchofield]

Dale Greene my first one was a red face sa200 sec was a classic 300D the. Ext was a Miller pipe pro350 the next one was a sa200 I had a kabota diesel swap done on it. The next on was a blackface 200 I've owned two of those and the one I have right right now is a classic 300HE with kabota.

[@MrRoux00]

I’m about start welding school cost me $31,000 for 18 weeks u be finish here n Louisiana

[@ianlally1354]

MrRoux00 Jesus Christ fuck that

[@roscko3142]

5 months of school worth $31k ??lol

[@MrRoux00]

But u finish and with level 3 welding

[@n8baca32]

Hopefully you dont end up like the guy we just let go who just broke out of the Tulsa welding school.. good luck with that investment. That's a lot of cash for a "level 3" welder. I went the route of a UA apprenticeship. I have world class training at my disposal. Too each is own

[@andrewreyes940]

That's fucking insane. Community College near me charges 6k for 18 weeks. You learn stick, mig, tig, blueprints, symbols etc. OSHA safety certified, AWS certified and only about 8-10 students in class. Sounds like that school try's to cram 12 months of learning into 4 1/2 months while charging an arm and a leg.

[@garrettsims7202]

When you say DM or atleast that's what I think you say what you do mean?

[@JacobSchofield]

PM private meassage or email

[@xivwords5448]

What’s the name of the school I need to go

[@JacobSchofield]

there are many welding schools that you can go to, look into the program and find the right one for you.

[@ImaBeastUaPet]

Love your vids.how long have you been a JM anwhats your truck like?

[@JacobSchofield]

Baywop ButcheR not a journeyman boss. I am non union, have lots of friends that are union but I’ve been a pipe welder for 6 years now. Still got lots to learn. I have a 2014 ram 3500 with a classic 300 I’m guessing that’s what you want to know.

[@ImaBeastUaPet]

Jacob Schofield it is thank you

[@ImaBeastUaPet]

Jacob Schofield i ll follow you on my other acc.i m a welder too i am JM but not pipe welder or union.but i have started my own truck.

[@huntercleveland1728]

Are you referring to the ISU College of Technology?

[@JacobSchofield]

Hunt C yes sir been there for one semester. Great school for welders

[@fer-curium1650]

Jacob Schofield ISU is a pro profit college though. They rip you off

[@enriquearagon733]

Do you live in CO? Can you live in CO and get per Diem as well

[@JacobSchofield]

Enrique Aragon perdium is a companies decision if they want to give out or not. If you want a better chance of getting perdium become a welder. It's not guaranteed though. Hope that helps.

[@enriquearagon733]

Jacob Schofield just an. estimate how much will cost me to start my own rig. ? I have my own machine and truck but I need stands, torch/ beveler etc

[@JacobSchofield]

Enrique Aragon it's hard to say man my truck that I started with was a 2006 gmc 2500 the whole rig might of cost me 18,000.00 the truck I have now is a 2014 dodge 3500 I bought brand new had a custom machine built with new welding bed it had all the bells and whistles probably cost me around 85,000-95,000 to set that truck up. So I guess it all depends on what you want in a truck. My truck now is not that fancy it' has the original bed in it and it's a bathtub rig. Still cost around 50,000 to set up. Hope that helps.

[@enriquearagon733]

Jacob Schofield do still have your old truck?

[@JacobSchofield]

I do still have that old truck runs like a champ. It's my dog training pickup now.

[@michaeld6779]

What's diem ???

[@lordovwitchcraft1665]

Fuck, I hate school with a burning passion. That shit ain't for me but my family pushing to go to school but I already dropped out of college once, and I prefer learning through first hand experience man.

[@heribertoortiz7484]

nice video

[@flysociety530]

Where's the best state to find pipe welding jobs?

[@JacobSchofield]

lots man PA OH WY ND TX CO Lousianna

[@MiguelMoreno-sg9bj]

btw sub. Awesome content man!