Overview

Think about your experience in times of significant change, like progressing from grade school to middle and then high school, or being promoted from dishwasher to cook, or any experience that could be considered “moving up.” It was probably challenging, but you got through it.

This is almost certain to happen in your welding career. You may show proficient skills during school and then feel as if you are in over your head on your first welding job. You may be a highly skilled and experienced welder in the construction industry and then face a steep learning curve when starting a new job in a shipyard. During such situations your emotions may range from excitement to fear, and you may even experience imposter syndrome. However, you are not alone; we all experience the same. It is called “growth.”

While nothing can replace actual experience, this chapter will discuss the conditions, workload, and equipment you may encounter in different industries with the intention of helping you be prepared for your first day on your new job  and any transitions that may come after.

But first, as a reminder, equipment safety guidelines, whether for working around cranes or other construction equipment, are covered in Chapter 4. This chapter discusses elements and uses of construction equipment but does not cover detailed safety protocol.

Attributions

1. Chapter opening image: Finishing Touches by Marines in the Public Domain; United States government work