Getting more experience after graduating from school?

[AESS86]

Hello! I'm the wife of a welder and we are trying to get our ducks in a row re: his new career. I'd love some advice from those of you who have "made it."

My husband was a structural welder for several years, but just recently went to school for combo welding. He did very well in school, but as most of you know, school and "real world" are very different. He has been fortunate enough to get a job, but not with the companies he is hoping to work for one day. He has taken several tests for the larger-scale companies, but the x-ray tests get him (especially the stainless test.)

In your experience, what is the best way to get the experience and ensure that you have x-ray quality welds, without applying to companies prematurely, busting welds, and getting "red-flagged?" I mean, no one is perfect straight out of school, so how have you all gone about getting/keeping jobs and continuing to perfect your craft?

He wants to grow to be the best of the best. His teacher told him that he needs to buy and truck & his own rig. Is this really how "the best" become "the best?"

[AESS86]

Anyone?!

Is it really necessary for a new combo welder to get his own machine for him to practice in order to compete for decent jobs?

[ThorsHammer]

simple answer, yes. Practice is paramont. but he could just go do more lab time at the school. Also, knowing the machine you're using, how to tune it in, and how to adjust it properly, not to mention just being used to the way that machine welds, are also very important. More than likely he's going to have to test on the machine they have in house. there are many different machines that could be there, so he's not going to be able to know all of them. The hood time he'll get at the job he's got will help. but being able to practice at home is always good.