If you could choose between being a HD mechanic or Welder?

WaterSkeeter · #1 10-05-2010, 09:32 PM

So I have the possibility of getting into a apprenticeship for a welder (already have 600 hours recorded time for if I got apprenticed) or a Heavy duty mechanic. Its a possibility, Iv worked hard in the shop so they put me on the crew that works on the mine, way more money and I work with both trades. Whats easier on the body? Iv always thought a HD mechanic would be good for me as I love working on anything. Also like welding...what would you do if you had the choice and why?

2fast4uRuss · #2 10-05-2010, 09:43 PM

I would go with the mechanic myself probably easier on the body and may turn out to be better in poorer weather as being mostly indoors.

fordtruckin · #3 10-05-2010, 09:44 PM

x2

827rotax · #4 10-05-2010, 09:55 PM

what did the welder get on his IQ test??

Drool, does that help?

Just a joke to all the hard working welders!

mudbug · #5 10-05-2010, 10:28 PM

Do both if that's an option. I have a friend that got his welding ticket first then his HD mechanic, he'll never be out of work and he mainly works inside in the shop. More than one ticket is a bonus in the industry your in

Grizzly Adams · #6 10-05-2010, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mudbug

Do both if that's an option. I have a friend that got his welding ticket first then his HD mechanic, he'll never be out of work and he mainly works inside in the shop. More than one ticket is a bonus in the industry your in

Isn't that what they call a Millwright? Capability in a bunch of mechanical trades.

Grizz

#7 10-05-2010, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzly Adams

Isn't that what they call a Millwright? Capability in a bunch of mechanical trades.

Grizz

Nope, Millwright/Industrial mechanic is a trade of its own...I am one. Jack of all trades and master of none...

Ken07AOVette · #8 10-05-2010, 11:04 PM

Mechanic. The worst thing you will breathe is brake cleaner, solvent and diesel fuel, better than sucking cancer causing carcenogenic fumes 16 hours per day.

CaberTosser · #9 10-06-2010, 07:33 AM

My vote is for mechanic, welding would get old after a while. Variety and new challenges would be more frequent with mechanics. If repetitions your bag, welder.

marlin1 · #10 10-06-2010, 09:30 AM

mechanic leaves more options open , and a mechanic that can weld is even better

6gunner · #11 10-06-2010, 12:01 PM

Easy choice. Welder it is. If you go union the pay rates are better $43.00 hr and rising + double time. With the advances is respiratory equipment you never have to be exposed to the fumes. If you like to travel you can do it anywhere and make good money. 3 year apprenticeship instead of 4 like mecahnic.

Nickote316 · #12 10-06-2010, 12:11 PM

I'm looking for a HD mechanic apprenticeship so that's what I would choose

marlin1 · #13 10-06-2010, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6gunner

Easy choice. Welder it is. If you go union the pay rates are better $43.00 hr and rising + double time. With the advances is respiratory equipment you never have to be exposed to the fumes. If you like to travel you can do it anywhere and make good money. 3 year apprenticeship instead of 4 like mecahnic.

heavy duty truck and transport ticket is 3 years , off road is 4

Elk Hunter17 · #14 10-06-2010, 01:10 PM

I'm a rig welder it's great money but it always seems to get busy in the fall and ruins hunting plans

dj240 · #15 10-06-2010, 08:22 PM

Im in school for 3rd year HET right now
on-road 3 years, off-road 3 years, Heavy Equipment technician 4 years
I prefer noisy engines, not noisy grinders

jaylow? · #16 10-06-2010, 08:33 PM

i enjoy welding , but the real money for a welder is usually in some really crappy spots. boilers , remote pipe lines and shutdown runs. hd mechs usually get a easier ride for roughly the same money. i guess unless your a field mech , then your up to your arse in everything.

my bro was a field mech for finning for years and my other brother is a welder, so was my old man.

jungleboy · #17 10-06-2010, 08:37 PM

As a welder you can make a good living anywhere you go with minimum tools if you just want to be an employee.
As a mechanic ,it seems you have to have many thousands invested in tools in order to work anywhere ...plus the welding trade can appeal to you creative side if your into that .Don't get caught up in the idea that the only welding is pipeline work.
I am a Journeyman welder and it has opened many doors for me. I don't weld anymore but work in the sales side of the industry.
Whichever you choose think of it as a stepping stone toward other opportunities.

TRAPPER92 · #18 10-06-2010, 09:14 PM

I would go for both. I am a Welder and a Machinist and work in a fab/repair shop. It beats the hell out of wearing a lid all day and gives me a variety of jobs. I dont think I could handle burning a rod all day every day. Like the guy said welding gets old fast unless you use it to supplement another trade.

marlin1 · #19 10-06-2010, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj240

Im in school for 3rd year HET right now
on-road 3 years, off-road 3 years, Heavy Equipment technician 4 years
I prefer noisy engines, not noisy grinders

I thought off road included hydraulics which made it 4 years ? My ticket was 4 years but things have changed since then I guess , anyways the trade has never left me out of work

WaterSkeeter · #20 10-06-2010, 11:39 PM

So im in the shop waiting to go work with the mechanic when I here a huge crunch, then a huge bang, then a smash etc....the huge mine truck backed onto the flatdeck welding truck......great.. the bang was the airbag blowing up, truck is messed up...the mine has had a few incidents this week, welders breaking fingers, guys needing stitches, equipment getting wrecked. SO, we all got a big lecture etc etc and now the company is not apprenticing until some of the current apprentices finish and upgrade, get trained all that good stuff. So its going to be a loooong wait. So im poking around trying to find a job that is a camp job and a apprentice position. If not then its back to the regular.