[gebbie1972]

I live in Scotland and I'm 41 years old. I have been welding since I was young, but never with an actual engineering company. I was made redundant 3 years ago and went back to school (college) and gained my NC and HNC in Fabrication and Welding, but because I have limited experience, companies are not willing to give me a chance even when I said I would do unpaid work experience. I was thinking about going for a coding, but I don't want to waste my money if companies won't give me a chance. I was just wondering if anybody out there had any advice for me.

[Mike]

Welcome to the forum.
As for your troubles you could try to get hired as a helper.

[gebbie1972]

Thanks for you help

[Wes917]

Pound the streets, approach getting a job like its a full time position if your not currently working. When I was laid off I spent 40-50 hrs a week working towards finding work. This could be spending time enhancing your resume, taking a certificate class, volunteering to get some work experience/history. Take a seminar on interviewing, most places have services like this for free. Most importantly apply, to everything. It doesn't matter if you feel your not qualified, worst case you don't get called for an interview. If you do get called go in prepared to land it, again worst case it's good practice to interview. Good luck.

[Otto Nobedder]

J Gebbie,

I agree with Wes917. There is value in taking the hunt for work as if it's a full-time job of it's own. It demonstrates perseverence.

Someone will give you the opportunity, even if it's at the "entry level" and not the job you want. Take it with gratitude, and impress the hell out of them, and you're on your way.

The trick is (salesman's code!) underpromise and overdeliver. Never exaggerate your skills... Always be more talented than you promise, and you'll always find work.

Steve S