Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
There are a places (few and far between, I grant you) that work to western standards and charge western or 'almost' western prices.
I can name four motorcycle specific ones off the top of my head right now.
There are plenty of people with A LOT of money in the third world and they like to spend it...
But like you say. It doesn't have to be the third world. USA,Canada, Australia, NZ and think about the developing countries in the East. There is PLENTY of great travel out there and places like Canada and Aus are crying out for skilled trades, even now.
When I was in the Yukon a few weeks back, they literally couldn't pay people enough to stay out there and work.
People behind the bar were on $20Ph plus GENEROUS tips...
Unfortunately for me at the time, none of my qualifications applied and I didn't have a work Visa. Hence why I'm going to give welding a bash. Even if that doesn't work out then at least I can make and sell bespoke stuff from my workshop.
Anyway... We're getting off topic  |
As a welder my advice is to stay away from welding .
You'll ruin your health and be treated like shit by your employers especially if you decide to work in the oil and gas or mining industries .
There is a shortage of skilled trades at the moment but I've experienced a few booms and busts and believe me the busts last a lot longer than the booms . Resource industries have an on/off switch , you're better off working in a steadier industry .
High wages in "The North" are because of the high cost of living , which you won't really experience until you've lived there for a while . $20 /hr isn't very much as you'll probably only work for 4-5 months of the year .
There's also a reason that nobody wants to live in the north - think about that for a bit .
If you are going to go welding , stay on the "clean side", TIG welding specialist equipment and that sort of thing , but be warned it takes a long time to become proficient . Welding is the hardest of the trades because it is an art , purely a physical and mental skill and takes dedication .
It's better if you are small so that you can crawl into tight spaces and best to start young , if you're over 30 - don't bother .
You'll also be tested constantly and if you can't pass the job tests - you're done - adios amigo - don't let the door hit you on the way out .
To work from your own shop is nice , but you HAVE to have a niche market and sell to people who will actually pay you for the time involved .
Every Tom ,Dick and Harry will come banging on your door at all times of the day and night and want something welded up for pennies .
Good welding equipment is expensive and so are good premises .If you think you can cobble stuff together out of an old garage with a "buzzbox" welder , think again .
Welding can be great and rewarding but according to my welding instructor buddies only about 5% of those entering the local BC welding school at "C" level make it to "A" level and are working in the industry .If you want to work in Canada you'll have to have Canadian certification and every province is different , AND structural and pipe welding qualifications are different .
So have a think about it Ted , it's not something you can walk right into and make big bucks right away .
As a foreman , I don't even consider guys qualified unless they have 5 years of work experience under their belt - I don't have time to wipe their snotty noses and teach them their job and also pay for their expensive mistakes .
Learn how not to Weld just by watching this video
This is what old welders turn into ,
Amazin Blaze Weldin Service - YouTube
All the best .
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