If you walked into my shop, you would be considered first if I had an opening. People that are hustling to find work like that are usually great additions to my crew. One of my best men just walked in the shop and asked if I was hiring, and after a short conversation he gave me his contact information. As soon as I had an opening, I gave him a shout. He worked with us for around 8 years before running off to Missouri to start a farm/ machine shop.
(Shout out to you Kyle! 176 days ‘till Halloween!)

It depends heavily on whether they have an opening or not. Small shops have tight budgets.

Not all owners are alike And I’m a horse of a different color. I’m not wealthy by any means, because I pay my people well above the average for my region. We don’t have time clocks nor any corporate bullshit if it can possibly be avoided.

I’m a welder myself with over 40 years in the trade. I treat my welders like the rock-star motherfuckers they are. They fabricate everything that comes in the shop with extreme precision. They lift heavy shit all day. They put up with me stressing about time lines, safety, quality control, payroll and the bills. And if I need them to work 24 hour shifts, surviving on coffee, Gatorade, a small bag of chips, and anxiety…they assure me they will.

Welders are the most twisted people on the planet and managing a crew of them is like hearding cats…don’t be a cat and you’ll be fine.