Welding and Fabrication Lessons

Hello my fellow Tacomans! I'm looking for someone near(ish) Claremont, CA that is willing and able to teach me how to weld and fabricate. I know I can pick up tips on YouTube. However, as a professional photographer and instructor, I know I can learn much faster with some basic one-on-one lessons followed by lots of practice. I do not own any equipment YET. I'm willing to purchase what I need after I gain product knowledge.

Also, if you know of a fabrication shop that might be willing to hire and train, I'm totally open to learning on the job.

...yes, outside of TacomaWorld, I'm doing what I can to find a welding/fabrication job or affordable classes.

Thanks in advance!
-Dan

 

Hey! I live in Pomona/Claremont area and have been interested in doing the same thing! I found this place in Costa Mesa that holds some pretty affordable classes that I was going to take soon. You can find the info here. You can also rent workspace/equipment there as well. Not sure if this is what you're looking for since its not really one-on-one and also not a job/shop but it might be a good start to learn the basics.

 

That's perfect! Thanks for the info, man. Maybe I'll see you in one of those classes or cruisin' around Pomona/Claremont.

 

Maybe check local community colleges als or any trade schools if you have them.

 

Yeah, there are some local community colleges that normally offer welding classes. However, none of those classes are available due to the covid-19 scare. I did find some good trade schools that are open, but they are expensive.

 

Finding a job in a shop or maybe an apprenticeship will give you more practical knowlege. I had been doing fab work for a while before i got certified and only then because my job at the time wanted it and payed for it. Classes ar good but welding in a "lab" environment is different than working as a welder.

 

I think you're right. Ideally, I'll find a fab shop to hire me. I haven't found any job openings for an inexperienced apprentice yet. Everyone is looking for 2+yrs experience. I might have to just show up at a shop and sell myself, hoping to get hired.

 

Maybe see if any of the trade schools are linked to shops maybe you could work and a shop would help pay for the cllasses

 

Take a job doing anything in the shop. Show up early, stay late when the guys are working on personal projects. They will help. Learn something then ask to change responsibilities.

 

I hadn't thought about it this way! I'll definitely look into it. Thanks for the advice.

 

@jowybyo advice was good also. That may be a good avenue to look into. Ya gotta start somewhere

 

I'm totally cool with that too! This is how I learned what I know about general construction. Unfortunately, we never did any welding or metal fabrication on that job.

 

Oh, for sure that's good advice. I don't mind being the "helper" if they are teaching me valuable skills.

I think he posted his comment while I was reply to you.