[sdubfid]

You don't have to do eltt for an apprenticeship. Although it definately would help you.

For my welding I did 7 months of school then worked for a bit. Got offered an apprenticeship with bc hydro after I did my c level.

For steel fab I was hired as an apprentice without any schooling because of my welding background.

You are much better off going to school first unless you know someone. Also, don't be afraid to switch it up and work for different companies. You will learn more and by the time you're a journeyman you will have your choice where you want to work.

As for welding jobs after your first 7 months of school you can expect to make from $15-$24/hour depending on your skills and the employer.

Then you can decide to go back to school for your b level for ~4 months. They usually make from $23-30 approx.

My last job journeyman a level welders got $38/hour locally.

Things have changed now with the oil slowdown in the past couple years but if you really want to make money as a welder go to alberta. Take their schooling, work up north, save up for your own rig. When I was in fort st john, guys from alberta were making $100-$115 an hour with their own rig/insurance/tools etc etc. 12hour days, 7 days a week.