Layoffs across my industry, where did you pivot?, welding apprentice here

Many of the people I know in my field were laid off this year, including me as a welding apprentice. I have transferable skills but no direct experience elsewhere. How did you choose?

Talk to people in the field you are considering. Two coffee chats changed my mind about one option.

I moved into operations work. The skills carried over and there were more openings than in my old field.