Changing careers at 12 years into a job, is it realistic? after 12 years as a welding apprentice

After 12 years as a welding apprentice I am thinking about moving into a different field. I am in Minneapolis, in case local advice matters. My family is supportive but nervous. How did you start?

You likely have more transferable skills than you think. Write down what you did, not what the job title said.

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.