What Welding School Doesn't Teach!

by Aaron Pourhassanian
(Yorba Linda California )

I've been a welder at a hazmat refinery for over 10 years and I have to say no amount of school will prepare you for the field. No offense to anyone.

Welding in a controlled invironment is a very good way to practice for your certification but getting some hands on experience in pipe layout or tank layout is gonna get you to the next level.

A thing I used to do to practice was just copying stuff that was already done around my shop, and when I say that I mean building a davit arm or if you don't work at a shop the plumbing under your sink or at your air conditioning unit.

If you have a air compressor try building a solid air line out of whatever material you choose but running it along the walls and around different objects. Anything like this will help you for actual layout work. And if I can help any other way let me know.