Which direction to take

I'm currently a junior in high school, so realizing that I have a lot of time ahead of me, I want to find a clear direction. I know that I want to do something mechanical. I like working with metal and cars and trucks. Next year I have an opportunity to go to EVIT (East Valley Institute of Technology) which will let me begin to specialize in a field of my choosing. My choices at this point are welding and general metal fab, and diesel and heavy machinery. I cannot decide which one I would like to do. Which one has more opportunities?

 

Welding, IMO. It seems like a "cleaner" job.

 

Clean as in..?

 

Not having to wash your hands as frequently.

 

I was really hoping it meant something deeper than that..

 

No. Simple as that.

 

Well.. I'm fine with getting dirty, I'm more concerned with future possibilities

 

i work with welders quite often. but not in the auto industry.

in the Structural steel industry. they make a lot of money. when there is work. historically, when the economy takes a hit, government dumps money into infrastructure to give it a boost. dont know if that will be the norm.

i've seen welders get rich welding pipe piles. day in and day out, fitting pipe and welding it. and they get filthy.

i also work with a bunch of mechanics that keep construction jobs moving. they run around in those huge mechanic trucks. i see the same guys over and over. i think you need to really get in with a company. expect to move around.

good on you for looking into the future. you are ahead of the game!!

 

why not hit both possibilities? the more you know, the more cash flows.

 

Underwater welders will always have a job and be able to travel. One of the most dangerous in the world, but a job none the less. Ive had to pay a guy over 1k for an hours work torching some steel underwater.

 

I am eventually doing both but with the times, I can only choose one class to start with.

 

Gotta love TW...... We can get answers to just about anything!

I'd say welding.

 

A guy I know went into heavy diesel mechanics. He is home for two weeks and in Alaska for 3 weeks working on generators and such for oil rigs and mining companies. He was making close to 80k a few years ago when I last saw him. Now that's what he said he was making, but he did have the toys to show. So either debt or made a lot.

 

So far it seems even.. I may add a poll

 

Added a poll

 

If you have no personal preference you might find the following interesting. Hell, I find it interesting just to read without a career move in mind.

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/mobile/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation.../diesel-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm

 

Both have great demands, start with researching careers in each field. If it is just one class you have to take now, do both, one now, one later.

 

You can't go wrong with diesel repair. They are everywhere and everything you own has been transported by diesel. I have been turning wrenches for 20plus years on diesel engines and owned my own business now for 9yrs. You can make nice coin. But it is hard on the body as you get older..

 

At your age it probably best to dabble in both, to see which you like the best. My Dad is a diesel mechanic, which does require some welding skills. Underwater welders do make good money but it can be a very dangerous job with a lot of traveling.

 

On the thread it's leaning toward diesel, but the poll is welding...