Currently just exited the military and started technical college majoring in Welding and Joining Technology as a full time student. At this time I'm working part time for a residential plumbing company Benjamin Franklin Plumbing here in Columbus, Georgia where I obtain my apprentice plumbing license. Also undergoing an Online College Plumbing Certificate at a different college.
Once I complete my Technical Service Diploma as a Welder, I'm going to be taking minors in Blueprints, Commercial HVAC and Electrical. I'm planning on moving back to Florida once I complete my schools to return to the sunshine state before I joined the military. My goal is to work in Orlando, Florida or at least some where close by. I really would love to start my welding career right off the jump I complete all my schooling, but please fellow veterans and advisors I would really appreciate some career advice or recommendations. Thank you for your time.
Answers
Hi Jose,
Thank you for your service!
Joe is absolutely correct in his assessment about the profession that you are pursuing. There is a quite a bit of volatility on the construction side of the business; however, I can tell you that Welding is currently one of the most difficult skills for commercial manufactures to find and there is a huge market for skilled Welders. The link below will take you to a long white paper on the talent trends in manufacturing, but I recommend taking a look at page 5 where it talks about Welding. Please let me know if you have any questions about the manufacturing industry or career development questions.
Jake Ebenhoch
The best advice is to become as specialized as possible and then target a specialized industry. Two industries that come to mind are the marine industry and the aviation industry. If you do the research you will discover that welders who work within specialized industries such as the marine industry or the aviation industry earn 15% to 30% higher wages. The cost of repairs to ships and planes are considerably higher than automobiles and buildings. The lucrative price tags pass down to everyone. The more specialized, the higher your pay (for instance, an underwater welder might be paid twice the salary of an average welder).
I would like to thank you for all your input and advice I greatly appreciate it and will consider it while starting my career. Thank you again, and I hope you a have a great day!
Jose,
First, thank you for your service. Second, thanks for using ACP Advisornet to reach out to those who may be able to offer you some advice.
I agree with what the previous responses have said. You seem to have a good head on you and are on the right path.
I would address long-term considerations. First, find ways to develop your people skills and leadership skills. If you can, seek opportunities for advancement that expose you to the business and customer relations sides of your industry. Second, as some of the other responses have hinted, don't put all your eggs in one basket. While demand for your skills seems high enough right now, always have your eye on the horizon: what is the next big thing? Is there a new technology that is going to radically change your industry, including reducing jobs?
Finally, pursue your interests. I have changed careers three times since leaving the service, always just because something new caught my eye and interest. If robots every replace welders, you will be a lot better off if there's another interesting career for which you are already qualified.
One more thing, perhaps a little off the mark for this type of discussion site. No matter how much you make, put the maximum that your company will match into a retirement savings plan. If they don't offer one, open an IRA and set up automatic payroll deductions or bank transfers into it. In addition, open education-saving accounts for each of your children. Florida has an excellent "529" program, and the kids' grandparents and other relatives can also contribute to it. Make sure you have enough life insurance, which should be pretty cheap at your age, so that your wife and family will be taken care of for at least five years. USAA offers all of these products except the 529 at excellent prices, and their reps offer free guidance that you should ask for (and no I don't work for them - member for 40 years, though).
Thank you again for your dedication. May God bless you and your loved ones, and may our country never have to send so many into harm's way again!
Tom Hudson, USN retired
Greetings, Jose, and God bless for your years of dedicated military service:
Just from viewing manufacturing ancillary services on the 'net, I can tell you that the two answers to your query that appear above will serve you in good stead. It appears to me that welders are and will continue to be in demand in the auto body and custom motorcycle industries for many years to come (as long as we continue to depend on the internal combustion engine). Best of luck to you in your career endeavours, and please keep in touch here.
Best,
Pete
Hello Jose:
Many thanks for your service to our country.
Best advice is to pursue a career that you love and it looks like you have that covered, as well as having a road map for schooling and ultimately moving to Orlando.
The service sector (for example repair welding, HVAC maintenance, car repair welding), which you are interested in, has been growing in the U.S. and will be good for stable jobs for a long time.
However, welding and HVAC related to NEW construction (non-service sector), is dependent on the housing and commercial building markets, which have been very up and down over the last 10 years, along with the related jobs. When the economy slows, demand for these jobs slows, and when the economy grows, these jobs are in high demand.
Just some things to consider as you start your career.
Good luck. Joe
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