New member!
 

Hi guys. Just registered and thought I'd write a little something about myself! I've worked as a mechanic/fabricator years ago until i found a job as a rigger/welder.

I've since quit my construction job and I'm looking to get back into the automotive field. I have experience fabricating turbo kits, fuel systems etc but always wanted to learn the fine art of metal forming.

I have dabbled a little but really want to start learning how to do more complex stuff and possibly start a career in it. I guess I'm here to learn more from the masters & chat with like minded individuals, Thanks!!

jurica

Welcome to the forum, Jurica.

Hi Jurica welcome to the forum
Peter

Thanks Clifrod and Peter, I appreciate it. What’s the best way to get into this line of work? I’m going on 33 now but I believe it’s never too late to change profession and learn something new. Will it be difficult to find someone willing to take on a mature age apprentice? I do have a lot of welding experience with tig,Mig & arc also have a lot of experience with the oxy. Thanks for any feedback!

Jurica

I did it (changed from culinary/administration to granite sculpture) in 2000 at age 33. Sold my house, moved nearly 1000 miles with no job waiting to the area most likely to have work, accepted the wage I could get when I found a position and then figured out how to keep doing it full time from then until now & hopefully for much longer. My Master Sculptor only kept me in his studio for approx 3 yrs. since then, I've been on my own to survive.

I previously did the same thing as a chef multiple times, but culinary a very portable skill set in a broad market. It's easy to quit and hit the road to find a new kitchen. There's a lot more high end metalworking shops than granite sculptors, but neither is mainstream. Not everyone is good at what they want to be good at, so run in such a way that you may win the race.

Much can be done if you're willing to do whatever it takes. "Whatever it takes" is not a euphemism- I mean whatever it takes. Most people either will not or cannot drop out of life, maybe move ?? miles with no guarantees, work for nothing or little for an indefinite length of time and then quickly find a way to keep making money if & when that job ends. Training into a specific skill set can limit future opportunities, even making you overqualified & unemployable for basic work. That can be the biggest drag.

If think that sounds like fun, go for it. There is no formula.

Hey cliffrod, thanks for the reply. Your story is incredible & very inspiring. Ill have to get my resume in order and see what’s out there. There’s only one way and that’s to go for it I suppose.

Jurica It's never too late ;)
I am 65 Years old been doing this for 50 Years and I AM STILL LEARNING!
Peter

Thanks for the encouragement Peter! I’m grateful for everyone’s input!

Jurica