AIM FOR THE MOON

By Alan Stuart Williams
Trinidad, West Indies

A friend of mine gave me a copy of the Spring 2003 issue of The World of Welding that inspired me to write and share my experience.  I am 23 years of age and am a certified welder.  It all started when my uncle asked me if I would be interested in welding.  At first I was skeptical; I thought about it and I decided to give it a try.  At the time, Youth Training Partnership Programme (YTPP) was offering a training programme [in welding].  I applied and was called for an interview.  The requirements stated that applicants had to have a basic knowledge of welding and I had no knowledge whatsoever about welding.  When it was my turn to be interviewed, I asked myself, “What am I going to say?  What am I doing here?”  I then lifted my head and stood like a brave soldier with confidence that I would pass the interview.

Following many questions, I explained to them that I am a “quick study” and self-motivated.  I assured them that if I were given the opportunity I would do my best.  Two weeks later, I received a phone call from Mr. John Paterson, the welding instructor.  I was told that I was successful at the interview and I would be given a chance to train.  I was overwhelmed and anxiously awaited the challenge. 

The training programme called the Certified Welders and Fabricators Project was a six-month programme that began on July 26, 1999 and ended March 10, 2000.  The course encompassed such attributes Communication Skills, Occupational Safety and Health Practices, Measurements, Interpretation of Welding Symbols, Use and Care of Tools, Equipment and Materials, Arc Welding Practice and Related Theory, Attitudinal Development and Career Enhancement.   The career enhancement module included self-assessment and values, clarification, goal setting, time management, communication skills and family life.  The welding practice included fillet and groove welds on plate in the flat vertical (uphill), horizontal, and overhead positions, the welding of 6-inch diameter pipe in the vertical (uphill), horizontal, and finally 6G positions.  It also encompassed oxy-fuel cutting of plate and pipe utilizing straight and bevel cuts. 

I was trained and tested in accordance with the standards of AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel for plate welding operators.  I successfully completed a radiographic test on single V-groove butt joints utilizing ½-inch thick mild steel plate in the flat 1G and horizontal 2G positions. 

After six months at YTPP, it was the beginning of a new era for me and I started job-hunting.  My first job was at a construction company as a trainee welder, welding steel beams.  I felt it wasn’t enough, so I freelanced with a couple of small companies.  One day, I discovered an advertisement in the daily newspaper for certified welders with a steel structure company of Trinidad/Tobago Ltd.  I contacted them and was invited to perform a welding test.  In the wink of an eye, I was given the job and felt that my welding career was set for take off. 

Through experience with various contractors, each requiring testing, I seized opportunities and passed tests, finally obtaining my welder’s permit.  I became qualified to weld unlimited diameters in all welding positions in accordance with ASME Section IX of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.  At the present time, I am working with a company doing plant maintenance, repairing silos, tug boats, and rigs. 

My goal is to become a certified welding inspector and obtain my master’s degree in structural engineering.  And it all started working in a fabric store and taking a chance on welding.  In a nutshell, I love the art of welding.  The quest is on!  “Aim for the Moon” is my motto.  There is a lot to learn and achieve.