First attempt at welding these joints + Advice

[y00g]

Hello (My first post),

I currently have a job in a steel fabricators but in the office side.
I have always wanted to learn a trade and when I was younger I helped out a guy who welded gates.
I never got to weld but done some cutting for him and general help. I was then always fascinated by welding. I recently started a college course level 1 in stick welding. I have just completed the course and although it wasn't hard to pass (15 x 3 hr night time course) I could of completed in 3 classes.

My plan for this summer is to travel Europe then head back into Australia for another years visa, welding jobs are popular and if you have skill then almost guaranteed a job. I asked my course teacher about doing a intensive course but he advised that I could spend big money and then come out with a good certificate but won't have experience to back it up and employers will expect too much. He recommended going to Australia with my level 1 and trying to get someone to take me on and learn this way.

I have attached some photos of my first efforts on these type of welds after welding straight lines for 3 weeks. I think the rods were 3.2 Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[Shox Dr]

There's a member called Sip Merlin he moving to Aus last year with the intention of welding. And for a few reasons it hasn't worked out nor has it been what he expected.

I'd read his posts if I were you, (while consuming a little salt) as your tutor pointed out, quals' over here can mean little elsewhere. They also have different names for job descriptions and expect different rolls within those jobs.


Good luck. And remember objects in the next field may appear greener than they really are

 

[brokenbiker]

i would seriously spend a lot of time looking into the differences between a welders/fabricators job here and in in oz. Im willing to bet they will be very different and even with good quals over here they mean nothing out in oz.

i would stick to finding a small fab shop and asking if you can work as a labourer to start with, show willing and be enthusiastic, you will soon start climbing the ladder.

a lad i know started off sweeping floors, now he he has every tig coding you can get, most stick codings and mig plate too. Earning good money and loves his job.

 

[y00g]

Since I've already been in Australia a year and know how easy it is to get a job. I have no fears in going over there again and going around all the fab shops and saying about my situation and hopefully one of them takes me on, then get sponsored and then live there for the next 4 years learning a good trade (ideal situation)

Any feedback on the welds in the pics above?

 

[y00g]

Hello,

I am a beginner and have just finished my C&G's level 1 (ARC) welding course, just like all beginners I am curious to know if experienced welders think these welds look OK and how is it possible to improve the welds?
I enjoy welding and would love the opportunity to make a career out of it. Unfortunately there is zero opportunity in Ireland.

These are my first attempts at these types of welds...

 

[Paul.]

Threads merged.