Weighing a contract offer against waiting after 18 years as a welding apprentice

I got a contract offer for 18 months as a welding apprentice and I am unsure whether to accept. I have 12 months of savings left. What would you do?

If savings are low, I would accept and keep applying. You can leave for a permanent role if one appears.

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It saved me later.