For those who have attended or are considering the government-funded Adult Skills courses: do you feel confident about finding a better job?
Posted by Both-Walrus-13@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 16 comments
I found out today that some counties are making it easier for young people over 19 to enter the trades; however, I understand that for what I'm aiming for (welding), it’s a long-term journey. But with a Level 1 through the ASF, can I already land a better job?
Sxn747Strangers@reddit
I’m not surprised at this as there’s still the “can you do it” frame of mind, they don’t care what a piece of paper says they just want to know you can weld.
Both-Walrus-13@reddit (OP)
So, if I don't have any certifications in this, as long as I know how to do it, is it okay? Because honestly? I have plenty of office experience and I've never had the opportunity to show what I can actually do.
Sxn747Strangers@reddit
Years ago I had done silver soldering brass with oxy-acetylene and that experience got me a job doing, amongst other things, mig welding.
I wasn’t brilliant at it and I could have done with third party training from a training centre as I wasn’t as quick nor had all the skills; and in house training didn’t really work as two welders tended to set up the equipment differently for the same job, and especially for tig welding.
But then this was only vending machines, so.
Both-Walrus-13@reddit (OP)
Well, my course it will be A MMA one, I know that it's pretty basic, but I reckon it's something and I hope that I will find a job after I finish the course and then going for a level 2 and so on.
Sxn747Strangers@reddit
I did a stick welding course along with about a dozen others, I was learning only stick but some of them were having a go at mig or gas.
It depends on how rigorous they are, it could be all of you will only be stick welding; but in my case, what was labelled as arc welding was also inadvertently mig and gas.
I would suggest as it’s arc welding, (stick), concentrate on that as I found it harder than mig, but if like me there is some flexibility… see how it goes and go from there, the instructors will be able to help.
Sxn747Strangers@reddit
I don’t know what that would include but I assume it would probably be mig and stick, I would have thought tig would be later on.
If you can do a bit of oxi-acetylene that might help too.
I had done lead with a small oxi-acetylene torch on a low setting as that was for fine work, and a bigger torch and flame for the silver-soldering, but I could never get the hang of steel.
Just try and get as much experience as possible.
There was a welding course near me for 10 lessons of 1 hour or 2 hours long for about £20, but this was about 10 years ago, I probably could have got away with repeating it.
Yes, they like paperwork, but if you get an interview ask what sort of clothing you should wear; a suit for the interview or work clothes for a welding test.
DrinkMyPink@reddit
It shouldn't.
These courses exist so that the people providing them can get paid. You are cattle to the government.
Both-Walrus-13@reddit (OP)
Grass is green
9182tlm@reddit
FWIW, I’ve also looked at getting formal training in welding, but was told by someone working in the industry that qualifications are sort of pointless, unless you’re doing coded welding. Apparently most hirers only care about, at least for entry to mid-level work, whether you can demonstrate an ability to weld to their standard. I was advised to go and spend a couple of months at a community-run skills centre (i.e. you pay a small membership fee and everyone is expected to volunteer a certain number of hours per month, in return for free access to training run (delivered by experienced volunteers)). Supposedly there’s a lot of gatekeeping in the sector and it really doesn’t require a wealth of experience to become a competent welder. At least, this is what I was told. I don’t know if this is helpful at all for you, I just figured I should share what I was told, as it got me rethinking about how to get into the industry/gain welding skills as cheaply and efficiently as possible.
appletinicyclone@reddit
This is an issue with the trades
Both-Walrus-13@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I posted in another Forum, as long you deliver a good work you will be fine. But I will have a look on that one as well. Cheers, pal
9182tlm@reddit
Good luck!
Majestic_Swordfish83@reddit
A long time ago I did a painting and decorating nvq course. Great if you want to do your own home up but useless without site experience. I would imagine this is more of the same.
Youth opportunities, yts scheme, they were all the same. What young people really need is jobs that will train them AND keep them one once trained. Employers really don't want to do that though.
Beer-Milkshakes@reddit
Well obviously. Why else would they do it?
Both-Walrus-13@reddit (OP)
I don't think I was clear enough. I was referring to the case of changing careers. I know the job market here can be quite 'evil' sometimes. Sometimes, trainee or entry-level positions ask for years of experience. That is exactly what I'm worried about
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