Apprentice ship

[rocko2527]

I was wondering if Im seventeen would someone take me as an apprentice? Im guessing there would be some liability problems (would there be any)? I have been welding/building go karts, minibikes and such for the last three years and plan on weldng being my career. Would you take me as an apprentice? I wouldnt really even be expecting money, I would mainley want to do it all summer and weekends when school is back in. I could make my self usefull in a shop sweeping, cleaning, grinding etc. What do you think?

[rocko2527]

Anyone?

[ironman715]

I can't imagine anyone with a shop and insurance working above the boards would take someone under 18. None of the unions will take you prior to 18.

[specter]

Hi ya rocko! You might want to go to the USER CP in the upper left portion of your screen and fill in some important info about yourself such as your location.

Regulations are strick about who can be in the shop area. You might want to check with some of the local shops to find out if they have apprenticeship programs or if they might be willing to take on welding helpers. You can also check your local trade schools and local community college to see if they have a welding program.

[lotechman]

Most areas have labour laws that restrict but I am sure at 17 you can get at least a part time or after school job in a welding shop cleaning up and sweeping. It is a start and I have seen many students taken on as apprentices when they finish high school. I have also seen many of these young people dropped because of poor work habits. By hiring on as a helper/labourer both you and your employer can test the waters to see if there is a future.
The best situation is when the student works part time while he goes to vocational school and gets his welding training. The work helps develop skills not taught in a school setting and helps to pay tuition. The employer receives someone who is learning a lot faster than a plain old labourer.