Are you out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, you may be worried that your welding skills aren’t staying fresh. Sure, in many ways, welding is like riding a bicycle. You can remember all the important steps when you’re an expert. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be continuously refreshing your welding skills while you’re not actively working. Here are 3 tips to help you keep your welding skills fresh for the next job opportunity.
1. Keep Up with the Shipyard Industry
Read everything you can. Subscribe to email lists and blogs for the shipyard industry across the US and even around the world. Absorb as much information as you can. This will help you understand major trends, updates in technology, and new ideas that will become a mainstream part of the industry in the near future. Another way to keep up with the industry and show that you’re a subject matter expert is to start your blog. We know what you’re thinking – you’re a welder, not a blogger. But showcasing your experience with welding and knowledge of the shipbuilding industry will help keep you on top of your game as you look for a new job.
2. Consume Welding Resources
The same is true in terms of welding resources. Watch videos, read industry websites and understand new techniques. If you can, practice at home. But the more you know and the more you take with you into the future, the better your position when you are applying for new jobs. It’s helpful to make connections, too, in welding as well as the greater shipyard community. While you can’t meet someone for coffee to network the old-fashioned way, you can connect with people online and over the phone.
3. Consider Teaching
Like the idea of starting a blog but not feeling comfortable with writing or web design? There’s another way to keep up with your skills, even if you have to maintain social distancing. You can teach. Share your skills with people in your family or your neighborhood in small, safe groups. Or, you can teach online. Setting up a Facebook Live to talk about welding techniques is one of the easiest ways, and it gives you a chance to continue honing your skills and demonstrate your experience at the same time. It can also be a great resume builder when you’re looking for your next job.
Are you looking for a welding position in a shipyard? Contact Hutco today.
