Welding Tips and Tricks

Hey. I have an unaccreedited mechanical engineering bachlours degree, and I'm planning on taking a couple of welding courses and then to gain some experience as a welder for 2-3 years, and then to take the canadian Certified Welding Inspector course. 
Is this realistic in term of education and experience? Will my unaccrdited degree be an obstacle for me or will it turn out as useful? Is a degree required at all in order to work as a welding inspector? Is the canadian cwi certificate recognized worldwide when coming to work as a cwi in other countries?
Thank you.

I can't speak with certainty about Canadian regulations, but in the U.S., no degree is required, only specific training and testing for the type(s) of inspection you wish to certify in. I'd think the degree would be an advantage if for no other reason than the knowledge base it give you to better understand the inspection criteria.

I also applaud your plan to study welding as a craft for yourself before moving on to inspection. Little irks me more than a criticism from some "book learnin' kid" who's never actually done the job he's judging me on.

As for the CWI being transferrable to other countries, I believe (but don't know as fact) that accepting your qualifications is the choice of the hiring company, perhaps with a qualifying exam (makes sense, since my welding certifications only earn me the interview; I typically have to test on site to their WPS). If the out-of-country job is for a government, though, stricter rules will likely be in place.

Steve S

AWS-CWI requires at least 5 years related to welding but you may receive credit for certain types of education or teaching experience. I am sure it would be in your favor to get as much welding experience as possible for the reasons Steve stated.