Adam from Malton thinking about training to be a professional welder

[Adam2326]

Hiya folks.

I'm new here, so please be gentle

I've had quite a few jobs in my time, but recently (six years ago actually ) ended up working in a very boring shop job. I never wanted to end up in retail, and it bores me senseless, so I'm looking into a welding course with Skills Bug. I was a powder coater for ten years, and enjoy tinkering and fixing cars etc, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with Skills Bug and if they're courses are worth it? They promise industry recognised welding qualifications at the end of it, but am I likely to walk into a job at the end of it?

The qualifications are:

• City & Guilds level 1 Award in introductory Welding Skills Oxy-Acetylene Welding
• City & Guilds level 1 Award in introductory Welding Skills Metal Inert Gas Welding
• City & Guilds level 1 Award in introductory Welding Skills Metal Arc Welding
• City & Guilds level 2 Diploma in Engineering – Fabrication and Welding Technology
• City & Guilds level 2 Award in Welding Skills Tungsten Inert Gas Welding
• City & Guilds level 2 Award in Welding Skills Manual Metal Arc Welding

These then lead on to NVQs.

Any advice would be good.

Adam.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Welcome to the forum:

I can't advise on the firm you mention, other members may know more, what I will say is check any training company out really well, there are a lot of cowboy firms out there promising the earth but only after your money.

I would be suspicious right away of any company claiming you will find work easily after completion of their courses, the majority of companies expect some on plant experience, of course that's a catch 22 situation, you have to do it to get it.

Don't be put off though, just make sure the training is valid, the company is reputable and try to get some work actually welding for a firm, part time even.

 

[Adam2326]

Thanks Steve.

Has anyone had any dealings with Skills Bug?

 

[Ben88]

I dont think doing the course will get you work most jobs i see dont seem bothered about qualifications more the experience you have even if its only 1 year, you never know if you get on a decent place they might put you through them.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I would buy yourself a MMA and MIG, practice at home using the online guides, perhaps see if someone local could give you some pointers, and then register with an agency or apply for welding jobs and take photographic evidence of the work you have been doing at home.

Colleges often run evening courses in welding, although they are not as common as they once were.

 

[Adam2326]

Thanks guys. I'll give it a miss. Try and find an evening class and get some practical experience at home.