Hello all new member

[Ironside]

Hi my name is Perry and I live in southern Va. I am currently working on my SMAW all position certification. Looking to get out of factory work and into welding and fab work, I have a long way to go...I have been working in a factory for 16yrs and I am tired of being a laborer and am trying to break into skilled trades because I enjoy new challenges and projects. I my opion welders are the backbone to construction work. I could be wrong though. I am looking to move to Va beach and try to get on at the shipyards, and take wife and three kids with me. I sure am glad I found this site... Any and all sugestions are greatly appreiciated...thanks

[specter]

Hi Ya Ironside and Welcome to the Welding Web Family. 16 years on the factory line! I can see why you burnt out and want to try something else. When you think of construction work I know I think of steel girder work or running heavy machinery, Of course that steelwork needs welding and a construction machine that goes down is a loss of dollars until someone fixes it especially if its an item needing welding. You'll find we do have a bunch of shipyard welders as members! Best way to locate them would be to use the SEARCH FORUMS block and do a keyword search such as ship yard welding or maybe ship building.

[Ironside]

Thanks for the heads up.I thank you for the help.I hope that the shipyards are a good choice, I don't mind hard work at all, heck thats all I know.I hope at the age of 37 its not to late to make a career change.