just found this site
may have good info for anyone starting out welding
has a forum and job vaccancies aswell

http://www.ukwelder.com/

I've registered but I think that most of the posters are hard arsed professional welders and they seem to spend alot of time arguing. It's quite amusing to read, actually. I posted an introduction to see if they are willing to share their experiences with me (ie, "I'm going to be asking some stupid questions, is this OK?".

Be interesting to see how it pans out.

hm interesting...i like the look of the gold lenses,anyone used them,any good?