Getting to Work after Training
In contemplating placement after training the following factors are to be taken into account:
Your choice of a field.
Your special fitness.
The industrial demand.
It is the disabled man’s privilege to decide what he will specialize in and he will be allowed the freedom of choosing which branch of welding he will take up, such choice being of course subject to the guidance of the vocational adviser.
Most welders will exhibit a tendency toward some special branch or type of welding, even while they are learning the art. The instructor will keep in constant touch with the pupil during the course to determine if there is such a trend in him, and if so to encourage it. Some take to one metal in preference to others; some to one operation in preference to others; some may give evidence of ability as all-round welders.
The demand for welders is so varied that knowing the demands in general it will in most cases be possible to satisfy preferences and special aptitudes. This will be the aim always.
If as a trained welder you desire to get started on your own hook, several questions will arise in your mind?
Where shall I be located?
What are the demands of the locality in which I shall live?
What is my fitness for the work?
How about the necessary equipment?
The locality should be such as to give you ample opportunity to make good. It might be hard for you to go against much competition at the start. Likewise, to act as a pioneer of the industry in some locality which knows nothing about the work, might not be desirable.
In placing retrained welders, local demands will be carefully considered to the end that no man shall be placed where he may have work coming in which he is not capable of handling efficiently.