I graduated from welding school a few months back, but I live in a area of Upstate NY thst just doesn't have alot of work rn (especially going into fall/winter).

My dad, a 26 year UA Steamfitter, told me that I should just go hit up a fab shop in the area and ask if I can use their equipment to run a few passes, so as not to lose my skill. He eve said companies love that go-to attitude, and that they might take you on if you seem driven enough.

Is this something people do in the field? If this is a normal practice that I just never knew about, then I would totally do that, but If Im just goin to look like an ass thats trying to use a company's shop equipment for free, I obviously wouldn't bother and will just by a small machine that won't pop breakers in the garage for now.