Learning A New Skillby EvictusChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 1Pinkie Pie was baking in Sugarcube Corner when she heard the mailman stop at her door, she shrugged as one of the Cakes could answer it, she then heard Mr Cake call out to her. "Pinkie pie someone is at the front door!" He called out, Pinkie Pie went to the front door and and answered it to reveal Derpy, Derpy handed her a catolog and walked away, Pinkie Pie closed the door and examined the catolog as she wasn't expecting to get one, the Cakes saw what she got from Derpy, Pinkie Pie opened the catolog and saw that it was career learning program. "It's just junk Pinkie Pie you can toss it." Mr Cake said, Pinkie Pie shook her head and started to look through it, she didn't just want to throw it out as she wanted to know what type of careers they were teaching. The Cakes just shrugged. "Hold on a minute I'm kind of curious about what is in here, I wonder what they offer..." Pinkie Pie said as she looked through it. "You can look through it if you want, although I'm not sure why you would want to though, your already working here so I wouldn't expect you to learn a job trade at a school when you have a job." Ms Cake said. "There's always another chance to get another trade skill!" she exclaimed as her usual self. She sat down and looked through it, the Cakes went back to work while Pinkie Pie looked through the catalog. There was a lot of oppertunities in the catalog for her but they didn't really stand out for her. She came upon a page of being a chef but she rolled her eyes as she was already a baker, she kept going through the catalog and saw stuff that just made skip pages, she came upon hair stylist and just laughed as she thought of Rarity having a ball with this section. She kept reading through the pages as she studied them closely, she knew that if she picked a class and learned the skill then she would have two jobs at the same time or she could just keep being a baker and use her new skill to help people. She then came upon a page detailing a welding class. She stopped flipping the pages and read it, she didn't know what made her stop but she stopped to read it anyway, as she read through the page detailing the fabrication industry and welding altogether it fascinated her, she stopped for a second as she realized that she was really considering on taking the class. She tried to think of herself having this career, she knew that it would benefit her if she had knowledge in that part of industry but she knew that the Cakes would still need help at the bakery, surprisingly though she could see herself helping out at Sugarcube Corner and working in this career easily. She needed to stop and think for a few minutes before deciding on this, did she really want to go through with this, it seemed a bit foreign to her but there wasn't any reason that she couldn't learn it, she could see herself in the career a bit. She thought about it a bit more and decided that she should pick it, she sat up and looked at the Cakes. "I know what I want to do, the reason why I want to tell you this is because the class time cuts into my schedule in working here so I need your permission." She told Mrs Cake. "Let me see it!" She said to Pinkie. Pinkie Pie handed her the catalog and saw the class times. "The class times are fine, they cut off some of your working hours here but that doesn't bother me although I'm just curious as to why you want to pick this career training, your a party planner and a baker Pinkie Pie...would getting a welding job make you more busy?" She asked. "I might not get a welding job, I just might use the skill to do repairs here so that we wouldn't need to call somebody or I could help other people out with....I don't know if they need a repairs or I could just make stuff for fun..." Pinkie Pie said as she shrugged. "Alright...as long as you still have working hours here then I don't mind as it seems like you will have time to still work here as the class is only a couple of hours each day, if you want to pick this Pinkie Pie then go right ahead, it's your decision... As long as you have the money for it...I can't pay for this class as I'm busy buying supplies for here which hopefully you understand that." She said. Pinkie Pie nodded quickly. "I'll take full responsibility in paying for my classes." Pinkie Pie told Mrs Cake, She smiled and spoke. "We'll go for it, go to there open house and see how it is and if that settles your decision then go to the class." She told Pinkie Pie smiling. "Thank you!" She told them, she walked out of Sugarcube Corner to go and sign up for the class, it took a while to get there but she soon got there and walked into the school. When she got to the school she went inside to the office. "Um? Do you know if i can sign up for a class here?" She asked. The receptionist nodded with a smile. "Yes you can! Your Pinkie Pie right? Your princess Twilight Sparkle's friend right?" She asked Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie grinned and giggled. "Yes I am! Me and her are more than just friends! We are super best friends!" She exclaimed. The receptionist smiled. "I know, so what brings you here to the Ponyville trade school?" She asked. "I want to join the welding course please." She said politely, the receptionist nodded and looked at a schedule on her computer. "We have a two month beginner course open, it costs money to join the class but not alot, let me ask you something though...why do you want to do this? Aren't you a baker and a party planner? This trade skill doesn't really fit your profile." She asked. "I want another trade skill under my belt! Just in case you know?" She exclaimed The receptionist smiled and gave her the schedule, Pinkie Pie examined it and was grateful that the class didn't last all week. Pinkie Pie gave her the money needed for the class and the receptionist showed her the application for the class to join. Pinkie Pie signed it. "Your all signed up, I wish you luck in the future of your career wherever you go after this!" The receptionist said. "Thank you, by the way who is the instructor?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Her name is Diamond, she's my sister." The receptionist said. "Why is her name Diamond? I was expecting a more generic name please don't tell me she's a girly girl." Pinkie Pie said. The receptionist shrugged. "That's what my parents named her!" She said smiling, Pinkie Pie nodded. "You didn't say what your name was!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Your going to find my name ridiculous as well but my name is Jewel." Jewel said. Pinkie Pie just raised her eyebrow. "Diamond and Jewel? Are you trying to be funny?" Pinkie Pie asked. Jewel shook her head no, Pinkie Pie just gave it up as it didn't matter and shook Jewel's hand. "Thank you." She said. "Your welcome! Good luck Pinkie Pie!" Jewel said, Pinkie Pie walked back to Sugarcube Corner as she was nervous and excited for her course, she immediately told her friends and they found it surprising at first but they understood Pinkie Pie's reasons. They wished her luck. Pinkie Pie went home, when she got to her room she thought about tomorrow as she was nervous but knew that she wanted to do this. Chapter 2The next day Pinkie Pie was getting ready to go to her class, she was a bit nervous but she knew that she wanted to try this, she got dressed and went to the class, when she got there she saw that she was early, she checked in and entered the empty classroom. She sat down and looked around at the large room and saw the booths in the back, she was pretty nervous to get started but she tried to calm herself down so that she wouldn't panic about the class. She knew that in a few minutes she would be greeting other classmates but she didn't focus on that as she needed to focus on doing well in well in her class, she folded her hands together and patiently kept them on her desk as she waited, soon other student came in talking to eachother but she paid no mind to them, she knew that she liked making friends but she needed to focus on work for now. "Well hello and welcome to room 305 and thanks for picking this coarse, my name is Diamond and I will be your instructor now before we get started-" Diamond was about to say but Pinkie Pie cut her off. "I met your sister the other day! She's the receptionist!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, the other students chuckled and she blushed but Diamond just smiled. "Yes, me and her have been here for a long time and we try to help out as many students as we can." She said as she smiled. "Sorry for interrupting you, that was rude of me..." Pinkie Pie said as she was ashamed of herself. "That's alright Pinkie Pie just next time let me finish what I was saying before making a statement, Alright hon?" Diamond asked, Pinkie Pie nodded and Diamond smiled and continued to speak. "As I was saying before we get started we need to first talk about the classroom rules, raise your hands if you have questions if you need to speak, also please come here on time, if your late then get a late pass and have an excuse for why you were late, also we are going to jump right in." She said. Pinkie Pie saw the teacher hand out class textbooks about welding, she wondered if she would really need it but was grateful to get one anyway, she wondered how she was going to do in this class. She was so nervous. "These will be your guide books, it has sections on the different types of welding...and about different test plates but we will get into all of that later, first I want touch on the subject first. Pinkie Pie listened to her teacher talk about the history and dangers of welding and as she listed the risks Pinkie Pie started to doubt her career choice. The teacher even mentioned something known as arc eye which can happen to someone's eye if they expose themselves to the light of the arc. "Technically the symptoms are mild itching, it will feel as if you have sand in your eye but as time passes the itching does get worse, if this happens you must seek out medical attention and you will be prescribed eye drops so you can use them to lower the pain in your eye, the eye drops are to try to numb the pain for a limited time, during the time you have it you must make sure to wear sunglasses until your condition gets better and you even might have to stay in a shaded room until your condition improves, if this happens here then come tell me immediately!" Diamond exclaimed. This condition scared Pinkie pie, she would make sure to wear her welding helmet at all times at the proper shade which is what her teacher started to describe next, Pinkie Pie knew there was a lot to welding but didn't know it had this much detail, the teacher also started to talk about fire safety which Pinkie Pie expected her to talk about, finally Diamond summoned them over to a stick welder. As Diamond began to talk about the different currents and settings the machine had Pinkie Pie couldn't help but wonder how Diamond got interested in welding, she knew that she would have to ask her that later, eventually Diamond instructed everyone to get their welding jackets on, Pinkie Pie sighed with relief that she bought steel toed boots before the class started as she wouldn't have been able to weld to day but at the same time she was a bit on edge. Diamond them summoned them back over to the booth, and she talked about the different types of steel that was usually welded with and began to talk about the different stick electrodes and how to strike an ark, Pinkie Pie lost track of time as the teacher technically stayed on the subject of electrodes for at least ten minutes finally she told her students to put cover their faces and Pinkie Pie almost missed her say that but covered her face just in time for the teacher to strike an arc. Pinkie Pie watched as the teacher stick weldrd by consistently dragged the electrode in the forming puddle while talking about the pool and Pinkie Pie realized how much went into welding, she didn't start doubting her choice but she did doubt herself, she knew she was going to screw up but she decided to try anyway. Soon the teacher finished and talked about it a bit more and then sent the students to each of the booths, this is where Pinkie Pie started to hyperventilate, she grabbed a few electrodes and a piece to weld on as she tried to calm herself down but she was to scared, she tried to remember back to what the teacher did with the molten pool as she knew she needed to replicate that. She put her gloves on and turned on the machine, she realized that the welder was on the setting it was supposed to be so she didn't need correct it so she was grateful for that but she was still nervous, she heard the other students already started to weld. She closed the curtain to block the UV rays and then looked at the piece, she then lowered her helmet to shield her eyes and then tried to strike an arc. It took her several tries to get an arc going, as her electrode kept getting stuck, luckily she remembered how the teacher taught them how to pull the electrode away, she twisted and pulled it free. She took a deep breath to calm her ragged breathing and then tried again, she got it stuck but wiggled it free and cursed to herself in frustration, she then tried one more time and finally she got an arc going, at first her arm was really shaky but she lowered her the electrode closer and let the molten puddle form and then slowly moved the electrode. She was surprised that it didn't take her long to do it as she was sure that she was going to end up taking a few minutes trying to get an arc struck but she was pleased to get one going, she welded for a bit and she took a break and cleaned the plate, she looked at a poster outside for reference on good welds and saw that she needed more work at it but she was glad that she got one going. She tried it again, she got it stuck a few times but tried again and then had to replace the electrode, she tried once again and got another one going, this time she had a half decent arc going so she was proud of herself for that. She tried it a few more times and then class ended When she put her stuff away and went home. She would have to see how she did tomorrow. Chapter 3The next day Pinkie Pie was getting ready to go to welding class again, she was nervous about going but she knew that her teacher would help her he best that she could, soon it was welding class so she arrived there and told her teacher that she needed help. "Can you help me? I'm still a bit new at this so I need a bit more help if that's alright." Pinkie Pie asked hoping the teacher wouldn't mind. Diamond smiled at Pinkie Pie and answered her. "Of coarse I'll help you! Come on!" Diamond said as she went to a booth, Pinkie Pie got her jacket and helmet on while she put on her gloves and followed her as she led Pinkie Pie to the booth, The teacher grabbed a small test plate and turned on the machine while putting the electrode in. "Now you always have to remember that when you strike the arc you have to shorten the length of it so that it isn't to long and your weld is screwed up, the teacher put down the hammer and brush and then she positioned the electrode above the test plate. "Cover!" Diamond said, Pinkie Pie covered her face win her helmet and the teacher did the same and Diamond struck an arc and started to weld, Pinkie Pie watched her teacher weld closely. "See how the puddle is forming!? You always got to remember to let the puddle form to an acceptable length and then you move you electrode!" She spoke over the sound, Pinkie Pie nodded as she was grateful for her teacher to help her. Diamond moved the electrode along the test plate as the puddle formed, finally she stopped. "Now I want to see you try it, I'm pretty sure you can do it, I'll guide you along." She said as she cleaned off the plate, she stood up and allowed Pinkie Pie to sit there, she gave Pinkie Pie the torch and sat by Pinkie Pie. "Take your time, if you need to take a rest for a few minutes you can, just remember what I said!" The teacher told Pinkie Pie." Pinkie Pie smiled and then relaxed and then started to weld again as her teacher guided her through with her voice, Pinkie pIe tried to weld as best as she could. Diamond smiled as Pinkie Pie wasn't doing that bad, she had a few problems with her technique but those could be fixed over time, Pinkie Pie tried her best, she sweated a little as she concentrated, she extinguished and then looked at Diamond who smiled at her. "Pretty good, your arc length is getting better, clean it off and we will take a look at how you did." She told Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie cleaned off the plate and her teacher smiled. "Not bad, I'm going to check on the other students so you can try welding by yourself, if you need to take a break then you can take it anytime you want but if you need my help just tell me and I will be right over." She told her. "Thanks Diamond!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, Diamond smiled at Pinkie Pie and left and then closed the curtain, Pinkie Pie looked at her test plate and then struck an arc again, she waited patiently for the molten puddle to form and then she dragged her electrode at a steady pace. She watched her electrode as she carefully dragged it as she didn't want to screw it up again, she eased up on the electrode so her pool wasn't to big, she kept welding on the test plate, she picked up the pace just a little bit and then stopped. She cleaned the test plate and examined her work and saw that her weld was pretty good, she decided to strike the arc again and wait for the puddle to form, she then dragged it along the test plate. She noticed that she was improving but knew that she would need a bit more work, she stopped and adjusted her arm and then she went back to welding the plate, she concentrated on the puddle as she kept adding the the electrode to it. She stopped and cleaned off the test plate, she took a break and then read her book, her teacher passed her and smiled, she looked into Pinkie Pie's booth and smiled as she saw how well Pinkie Pie had done, she was so glad at the progress Pinkie Pie and her students were making. Pinkie Pie took notes as she read her welding book and then took a few drinks of water, she then went back and continued to weld a bit more and then class ended, she gave the plate to the teacher and Diamond spoke. "You did a great job today Pinkie Pie! Keep up the good work!" She said. "Thanks Diamond." Pinkie Pie told her which made her smile, as she left she saw Jewel in the office, Diamond her sister started to speak to her, Pinkie Pie stopped. "Hey girls Diamond said I did great Jewel!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, Diamond smiled and spoke to Jewel who was also smiling. "Yes she has been improving but she still needs more work." She told Jewel. "Well we both know that my sister will you whip you into shape." She joked while smiling, Pinkie pie giggled. "Thanks, see you two later!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "See you Pinkie Pie!" The sisters said while they smiled, they resumed talking to eachother as they both smiled, Pinkie Pie giggled and left happily as she knew how well she was improving. She told her friends how she was doing and they were all glad that Pinkie Pie was improving in welding class and they hoped that she would pass the class and get certified and then get a welding job, Pinkie Pie told her friends that she hoped that she could do that and her friends hoped at she would as well. Pinkie Pie went home as she looked forward to improving even more. Chapter 4Pinkie Pie was so glad that she was improving in welding class, she was so glad that Diamond was helping her so much, she knew that as time went on she was getting more confident in her skill, her confidence and her skill has increased since the first time. She went to welding class once again that night. When she got there she was glad to have arrived early, she sat there and hoped that her teacher would arrive, she knew that she looked like she was being rude to the other students by not talking to them but she couldn't help it. She said hi to some of the students though, they all smiled at her and she waited for the teacher, Diamond walked in and smiled while she talked to her class, Pinkie Pie was glad that she had a nice instructor who was patient with her. She realized it was time to get started, she went to her booth and set herself up. She called Diamond over as she hoped her teacher could help for a bit, she hoped that Diamond didn't mind reminding her as it embarrassed her that she forgot how the electrode went in but once when she told Diamond to remind her about which side the electrode goes in Diamond reminded her as she didn't mind reminding Pinkie Pie. She put the electrode in the right way while she showed Pinkie Pie how to do it so that Pinkie Pie would remember how to do it so that she wouldn't forget next time and cause her to ask the teacher and then gave it to Pinkie pie. "Go ahead and weld Pinkie Pie, I'll watch you, you will do a good job just remember the tips that I have given you each time you weld and you will become an excellent welder." She stated. Pinkie Pie smiled at her instructor and then she turned on her machine and then positioned her rod onto her plate and lowered her helmet. She then started to weld for a bit and stopped. "Remember to support your arm with your other arm so that it doesn't shake and become strained and make sure to let the puddle form Pinkie Pie, if you don't let the puddle form then you won't get a good weld on your plate." She told Pinkie Pie nicely. Pinkie Pie smiled and nodded, she brushed the plate and then her teacher repositioned the plate for Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie and Diamond then lowered their helmets and then started to weld again After Pinkie Pie welded on the test plate for a while, Diamond instructed Pinkie Pie to let her give a go at it just so she could help Pinkie Pie, Diamond sat down on the chair and Pinkie Pie handed her the torch and then sat behind Diamond. "I'll just weld for a bit Pinkie Pie and then after that you can give it a go! Is that alright?" She asked. Pinkie Pie nodded and then they both lowered their shield helmets and then Diamond struck an arc and then welded for a bit, Pinkie Pie closely watched Diamond weld. Diamond was a great welder. Diamond kept close watch of the molten pool as it formed while she welded while Pinkie Pie leaned in to see for a bit as her teacher welded the plate, Diamond continued for a few minutes and then extinguished the arc and then she cleaned off the piece. "Now you see how I did that, I let my molten pool form on the test plate, you are forming your molten pool but you need to let it build a teeny bit more, go ahead and try it, I know you will do well as you are doing great in my class." She said, Pinkie Pie smiled and then sat down and then she positioned the electrode and lowered her helmet which her teacher did the same. Pinkie Pie struck the arc once again but got it stuck for a bit but she twisted and then pulled her electrode off of the test plate and then she struck an ark again and then began to weld, she waited for the pool to form a little bit bigger but not that big and then she moved her electorate along while her teacher coached her through it a bit. After she welded she stopped welding and pulled away from the test plate and then she lifted her helmet and cleaned her test plate, Diamond wiped her forehead and watched Pinkie Pie. "Good job, you are improving every day!" She told her student, Pinkie Pie felt so happy to hear that, she was so glad that she was doing well in the class. "Thanks Diamond, I'm so glad that I am improving every day, at first I doubted my self but I'm not doing that any more, I should have never doubted myself, I'm glad you are so nice and paitent." Pinkie Pie said. "No you shouldn't have doubted yourself as I knew you would do very well and you are, we will make you into a welder yet, Your welcome Pinkie Pie." She told Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie giggled. "I'm going to check on the other students, are you sure you can manage on your own Pinkie Pie?" She asked, Pinkie Pie smiled and nodded and Diamond left, Pinkie Pie continued to weld on the test plate as she continued to improve her welding, she was making good progress with her new skill. Time passed and class ended, when class ended Pinkie Pie went to Diamond and got her phone number, when she left she got the receptionists phone number as well as she was free to call them and talk like friends or to tell them if she can't make it to class. Pinkie Pie left as she knew that she was going to succeed in the class as she was making great progress there. She was so happy that she was improving. Chapter 5Soon days passed by quickly as Pinkie Pie attended her welding class as she got better every day, she was so glad that her teacher was so supportive of her as she taught her how to weld, she began to watch welding instruction videos online which helped her and even watched welding videos because they were fun to watch. A few weeks passed while she attended the class and knew that she could be certified but she wished the test would come soon. She told her teacher about it one day and her teacher nodded as she understood what Pinkie Pie wanted to happen. "I could send a test plate that you weld on to the welding society and see what they say, if they see that you did a good job on it then I don't know why they wouldn't certify you, come on let's weld on a plate right now!" She told Pinkie Pie Diamond and Pinkie Pie took a test plate into a booth and Pinkie Pie set the equipment up before she welded, making sure that everything was ready, she then sat down and her teacher gave her a test plate and left for a few minutes, Pinkie Pie welded and then her teacher came back. "Good news Pinkie Pie I can administer the test right now if you want, their aren't to many students here plus I have the credentials to do it, let's just take a swing at it and see how you do, don't be nervous and try to calm yourself as being nervous might screw up the test plate." She told Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie nodded as she was a bit nervous but she knew that her teacher was telling the truth, she had to make sure she was calm before she began, she knew that if she screwed up she would need to get another chance to take the test. Pinkie Pie knew that she could do it though as she had been going for weeks to the teachers class, she slowly lowered her helmet and then began to weld, her teacher watched her closely. Pinkie Pie started to freak out as she didn't know how she would do. She really wanted to pass, every muscle in her shook from nervousness but she continued as that didn't stop her, she was a few moments away from knowing if she would be certified, she has been going for days so she knew that she should be able to pull this off. She welded as she started to shake a bit but she stopped herself to make sure she didn't get out of control as she welded the test plate, her teacher silently watched her as she knew that the plate would be sent out for testing, she stopped and scraped the excess weld and then took off her gloves, helmet and jacket. "Well you did a great job, we will see what the test readers have to say, I hope you pass, you have been doing really well so you should be able to be certified." Diamond said. Pinkie Pie smiled and hugged her teacher. "Thanks Diamond for everything." Diamond smiled and Pinkie Pie walked out. Diamond told her sister Jewel and Jewel spoke to Pinkie Pie. "Good luck Pinkie Pie!" Jewel said. Pinkie Pie said thanks and shook Jewel's hand and then walked out. When she got home she waited for weeks to get the results, over that time she talked about it to her friends and her friends wished her luck as they hoped that she got certified. Pinkie Pie told the Cake's that she was expecting the test results in the mail so the Cakes agreed to keep an eye on it, she waited patiently but she got irritated as it took quite a while to arrive at her house. Finally the day came, she looked through her mail and squealed in surprise as she was certified. Her friends congratulated her and she told Diamond and Jewel that her friends congratulated her and they were so thrilled for her that they hugged her. She smiled and shook her head from the sudden hugs as it was unprofessional but she didn't care they released her and laughed and then spoke. "Great job Pinkie Pie, I hope you don't forget us and you don't forget what my sister did for you here, she tried her best to help you learn here and it looks like she did her job pretty well." Jewel said. "I'm so proud of you Pinkie Pie, I knew you could do it! You never gave up even if it got tough for you sometimes, you were persistant and I liked that about you, Keep in touch okay. We should meet up again somewhere soon you know? Just all three of us should meet up again and just hang out." She said. "I will, I appreciate everything. We will do that don't worry girls." Pinkie Pie said, Pinkie Pie left and even though her class ended she kept in touch with Diamond and Jewel and they became friends with Pinkie Pie which Pinkie Pie greatly appreciated and she wasn't surprised either as she was friends with everybody in Ponyville. Her friends got acquainted with Diamond and Jewel and they immediately loved them as they became friends with them as well, everything worked out in the end for her which thrilled her, Pinkie Pie had a garage built by Sugarcube Corner and Pinkie Pie started to weld stuff in her own garage that she had built by Sugarcube Corner. It took a while to build it but it was worth the wait. She was glad to finally use it. She knew that she would succeed and that's what she did in the class, she knew that she couldn't have done it without Diamond though and she remembered to never forget what Diamond did for her in the trade class, Pinkie Pie continued to weld while she kept her baking job. Pinkie Pie knew that she made the right choice in picking the trade of welding.
Chapter 1Pinkie Pie was baking in Sugarcube Corner when she heard the mailman stop at her door, she shrugged as one of the Cakes could answer it, she then heard Mr Cake call out to her. "Pinkie pie someone is at the front door!" He called out, Pinkie Pie went to the front door and and answered it to reveal Derpy, Derpy handed her a catolog and walked away, Pinkie Pie closed the door and examined the catolog as she wasn't expecting to get one, the Cakes saw what she got from Derpy, Pinkie Pie opened the catolog and saw that it was career learning program. "It's just junk Pinkie Pie you can toss it." Mr Cake said, Pinkie Pie shook her head and started to look through it, she didn't just want to throw it out as she wanted to know what type of careers they were teaching. The Cakes just shrugged. "Hold on a minute I'm kind of curious about what is in here, I wonder what they offer..." Pinkie Pie said as she looked through it. "You can look through it if you want, although I'm not sure why you would want to though, your already working here so I wouldn't expect you to learn a job trade at a school when you have a job." Ms Cake said. "There's always another chance to get another trade skill!" she exclaimed as her usual self. She sat down and looked through it, the Cakes went back to work while Pinkie Pie looked through the catalog. There was a lot of oppertunities in the catalog for her but they didn't really stand out for her. She came upon a page of being a chef but she rolled her eyes as she was already a baker, she kept going through the catalog and saw stuff that just made skip pages, she came upon hair stylist and just laughed as she thought of Rarity having a ball with this section. She kept reading through the pages as she studied them closely, she knew that if she picked a class and learned the skill then she would have two jobs at the same time or she could just keep being a baker and use her new skill to help people. She then came upon a page detailing a welding class. She stopped flipping the pages and read it, she didn't know what made her stop but she stopped to read it anyway, as she read through the page detailing the fabrication industry and welding altogether it fascinated her, she stopped for a second as she realized that she was really considering on taking the class. She tried to think of herself having this career, she knew that it would benefit her if she had knowledge in that part of industry but she knew that the Cakes would still need help at the bakery, surprisingly though she could see herself helping out at Sugarcube Corner and working in this career easily. She needed to stop and think for a few minutes before deciding on this, did she really want to go through with this, it seemed a bit foreign to her but there wasn't any reason that she couldn't learn it, she could see herself in the career a bit. She thought about it a bit more and decided that she should pick it, she sat up and looked at the Cakes. "I know what I want to do, the reason why I want to tell you this is because the class time cuts into my schedule in working here so I need your permission." She told Mrs Cake. "Let me see it!" She said to Pinkie. Pinkie Pie handed her the catalog and saw the class times. "The class times are fine, they cut off some of your working hours here but that doesn't bother me although I'm just curious as to why you want to pick this career training, your a party planner and a baker Pinkie Pie...would getting a welding job make you more busy?" She asked. "I might not get a welding job, I just might use the skill to do repairs here so that we wouldn't need to call somebody or I could help other people out with....I don't know if they need a repairs or I could just make stuff for fun..." Pinkie Pie said as she shrugged. "Alright...as long as you still have working hours here then I don't mind as it seems like you will have time to still work here as the class is only a couple of hours each day, if you want to pick this Pinkie Pie then go right ahead, it's your decision... As long as you have the money for it...I can't pay for this class as I'm busy buying supplies for here which hopefully you understand that." She said. Pinkie Pie nodded quickly. "I'll take full responsibility in paying for my classes." Pinkie Pie told Mrs Cake, She smiled and spoke. "We'll go for it, go to there open house and see how it is and if that settles your decision then go to the class." She told Pinkie Pie smiling. "Thank you!" She told them, she walked out of Sugarcube Corner to go and sign up for the class, it took a while to get there but she soon got there and walked into the school. When she got to the school she went inside to the office. "Um? Do you know if i can sign up for a class here?" She asked. The receptionist nodded with a smile. "Yes you can! Your Pinkie Pie right? Your princess Twilight Sparkle's friend right?" She asked Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie grinned and giggled. "Yes I am! Me and her are more than just friends! We are super best friends!" She exclaimed. The receptionist smiled. "I know, so what brings you here to the Ponyville trade school?" She asked. "I want to join the welding course please." She said politely, the receptionist nodded and looked at a schedule on her computer. "We have a two month beginner course open, it costs money to join the class but not alot, let me ask you something though...why do you want to do this? Aren't you a baker and a party planner? This trade skill doesn't really fit your profile." She asked. "I want another trade skill under my belt! Just in case you know?" She exclaimed The receptionist smiled and gave her the schedule, Pinkie Pie examined it and was grateful that the class didn't last all week. Pinkie Pie gave her the money needed for the class and the receptionist showed her the application for the class to join. Pinkie Pie signed it. "Your all signed up, I wish you luck in the future of your career wherever you go after this!" The receptionist said. "Thank you, by the way who is the instructor?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Her name is Diamond, she's my sister." The receptionist said. "Why is her name Diamond? I was expecting a more generic name please don't tell me she's a girly girl." Pinkie Pie said. The receptionist shrugged. "That's what my parents named her!" She said smiling, Pinkie Pie nodded. "You didn't say what your name was!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Your going to find my name ridiculous as well but my name is Jewel." Jewel said. Pinkie Pie just raised her eyebrow. "Diamond and Jewel? Are you trying to be funny?" Pinkie Pie asked. Jewel shook her head no, Pinkie Pie just gave it up as it didn't matter and shook Jewel's hand. "Thank you." She said. "Your welcome! Good luck Pinkie Pie!" Jewel said, Pinkie Pie walked back to Sugarcube Corner as she was nervous and excited for her course, she immediately told her friends and they found it surprising at first but they understood Pinkie Pie's reasons. They wished her luck. Pinkie Pie went home, when she got to her room she thought about tomorrow as she was nervous but knew that she wanted to do this.
Chapter 2The next day Pinkie Pie was getting ready to go to her class, she was a bit nervous but she knew that she wanted to try this, she got dressed and went to the class, when she got there she saw that she was early, she checked in and entered the empty classroom. She sat down and looked around at the large room and saw the booths in the back, she was pretty nervous to get started but she tried to calm herself down so that she wouldn't panic about the class. She knew that in a few minutes she would be greeting other classmates but she didn't focus on that as she needed to focus on doing well in well in her class, she folded her hands together and patiently kept them on her desk as she waited, soon other student came in talking to eachother but she paid no mind to them, she knew that she liked making friends but she needed to focus on work for now. "Well hello and welcome to room 305 and thanks for picking this coarse, my name is Diamond and I will be your instructor now before we get started-" Diamond was about to say but Pinkie Pie cut her off. "I met your sister the other day! She's the receptionist!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, the other students chuckled and she blushed but Diamond just smiled. "Yes, me and her have been here for a long time and we try to help out as many students as we can." She said as she smiled. "Sorry for interrupting you, that was rude of me..." Pinkie Pie said as she was ashamed of herself. "That's alright Pinkie Pie just next time let me finish what I was saying before making a statement, Alright hon?" Diamond asked, Pinkie Pie nodded and Diamond smiled and continued to speak. "As I was saying before we get started we need to first talk about the classroom rules, raise your hands if you have questions if you need to speak, also please come here on time, if your late then get a late pass and have an excuse for why you were late, also we are going to jump right in." She said. Pinkie Pie saw the teacher hand out class textbooks about welding, she wondered if she would really need it but was grateful to get one anyway, she wondered how she was going to do in this class. She was so nervous. "These will be your guide books, it has sections on the different types of welding...and about different test plates but we will get into all of that later, first I want touch on the subject first. Pinkie Pie listened to her teacher talk about the history and dangers of welding and as she listed the risks Pinkie Pie started to doubt her career choice. The teacher even mentioned something known as arc eye which can happen to someone's eye if they expose themselves to the light of the arc. "Technically the symptoms are mild itching, it will feel as if you have sand in your eye but as time passes the itching does get worse, if this happens you must seek out medical attention and you will be prescribed eye drops so you can use them to lower the pain in your eye, the eye drops are to try to numb the pain for a limited time, during the time you have it you must make sure to wear sunglasses until your condition gets better and you even might have to stay in a shaded room until your condition improves, if this happens here then come tell me immediately!" Diamond exclaimed. This condition scared Pinkie pie, she would make sure to wear her welding helmet at all times at the proper shade which is what her teacher started to describe next, Pinkie Pie knew there was a lot to welding but didn't know it had this much detail, the teacher also started to talk about fire safety which Pinkie Pie expected her to talk about, finally Diamond summoned them over to a stick welder. As Diamond began to talk about the different currents and settings the machine had Pinkie Pie couldn't help but wonder how Diamond got interested in welding, she knew that she would have to ask her that later, eventually Diamond instructed everyone to get their welding jackets on, Pinkie Pie sighed with relief that she bought steel toed boots before the class started as she wouldn't have been able to weld to day but at the same time she was a bit on edge. Diamond them summoned them back over to the booth, and she talked about the different types of steel that was usually welded with and began to talk about the different stick electrodes and how to strike an ark, Pinkie Pie lost track of time as the teacher technically stayed on the subject of electrodes for at least ten minutes finally she told her students to put cover their faces and Pinkie Pie almost missed her say that but covered her face just in time for the teacher to strike an arc. Pinkie Pie watched as the teacher stick weldrd by consistently dragged the electrode in the forming puddle while talking about the pool and Pinkie Pie realized how much went into welding, she didn't start doubting her choice but she did doubt herself, she knew she was going to screw up but she decided to try anyway. Soon the teacher finished and talked about it a bit more and then sent the students to each of the booths, this is where Pinkie Pie started to hyperventilate, she grabbed a few electrodes and a piece to weld on as she tried to calm herself down but she was to scared, she tried to remember back to what the teacher did with the molten pool as she knew she needed to replicate that. She put her gloves on and turned on the machine, she realized that the welder was on the setting it was supposed to be so she didn't need correct it so she was grateful for that but she was still nervous, she heard the other students already started to weld. She closed the curtain to block the UV rays and then looked at the piece, she then lowered her helmet to shield her eyes and then tried to strike an arc. It took her several tries to get an arc going, as her electrode kept getting stuck, luckily she remembered how the teacher taught them how to pull the electrode away, she twisted and pulled it free. She took a deep breath to calm her ragged breathing and then tried again, she got it stuck but wiggled it free and cursed to herself in frustration, she then tried one more time and finally she got an arc going, at first her arm was really shaky but she lowered her the electrode closer and let the molten puddle form and then slowly moved the electrode. She was surprised that it didn't take her long to do it as she was sure that she was going to end up taking a few minutes trying to get an arc struck but she was pleased to get one going, she welded for a bit and she took a break and cleaned the plate, she looked at a poster outside for reference on good welds and saw that she needed more work at it but she was glad that she got one going. She tried it again, she got it stuck a few times but tried again and then had to replace the electrode, she tried once again and got another one going, this time she had a half decent arc going so she was proud of herself for that. She tried it a few more times and then class ended When she put her stuff away and went home. She would have to see how she did tomorrow.
Chapter 3The next day Pinkie Pie was getting ready to go to welding class again, she was nervous about going but she knew that her teacher would help her he best that she could, soon it was welding class so she arrived there and told her teacher that she needed help. "Can you help me? I'm still a bit new at this so I need a bit more help if that's alright." Pinkie Pie asked hoping the teacher wouldn't mind. Diamond smiled at Pinkie Pie and answered her. "Of coarse I'll help you! Come on!" Diamond said as she went to a booth, Pinkie Pie got her jacket and helmet on while she put on her gloves and followed her as she led Pinkie Pie to the booth, The teacher grabbed a small test plate and turned on the machine while putting the electrode in. "Now you always have to remember that when you strike the arc you have to shorten the length of it so that it isn't to long and your weld is screwed up, the teacher put down the hammer and brush and then she positioned the electrode above the test plate. "Cover!" Diamond said, Pinkie Pie covered her face win her helmet and the teacher did the same and Diamond struck an arc and started to weld, Pinkie Pie watched her teacher weld closely. "See how the puddle is forming!? You always got to remember to let the puddle form to an acceptable length and then you move you electrode!" She spoke over the sound, Pinkie Pie nodded as she was grateful for her teacher to help her. Diamond moved the electrode along the test plate as the puddle formed, finally she stopped. "Now I want to see you try it, I'm pretty sure you can do it, I'll guide you along." She said as she cleaned off the plate, she stood up and allowed Pinkie Pie to sit there, she gave Pinkie Pie the torch and sat by Pinkie Pie. "Take your time, if you need to take a rest for a few minutes you can, just remember what I said!" The teacher told Pinkie Pie." Pinkie Pie smiled and then relaxed and then started to weld again as her teacher guided her through with her voice, Pinkie pIe tried to weld as best as she could. Diamond smiled as Pinkie Pie wasn't doing that bad, she had a few problems with her technique but those could be fixed over time, Pinkie Pie tried her best, she sweated a little as she concentrated, she extinguished and then looked at Diamond who smiled at her. "Pretty good, your arc length is getting better, clean it off and we will take a look at how you did." She told Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie cleaned off the plate and her teacher smiled. "Not bad, I'm going to check on the other students so you can try welding by yourself, if you need to take a break then you can take it anytime you want but if you need my help just tell me and I will be right over." She told her. "Thanks Diamond!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, Diamond smiled at Pinkie Pie and left and then closed the curtain, Pinkie Pie looked at her test plate and then struck an arc again, she waited patiently for the molten puddle to form and then she dragged her electrode at a steady pace. She watched her electrode as she carefully dragged it as she didn't want to screw it up again, she eased up on the electrode so her pool wasn't to big, she kept welding on the test plate, she picked up the pace just a little bit and then stopped. She cleaned the test plate and examined her work and saw that her weld was pretty good, she decided to strike the arc again and wait for the puddle to form, she then dragged it along the test plate. She noticed that she was improving but knew that she would need a bit more work, she stopped and adjusted her arm and then she went back to welding the plate, she concentrated on the puddle as she kept adding the the electrode to it. She stopped and cleaned off the test plate, she took a break and then read her book, her teacher passed her and smiled, she looked into Pinkie Pie's booth and smiled as she saw how well Pinkie Pie had done, she was so glad at the progress Pinkie Pie and her students were making. Pinkie Pie took notes as she read her welding book and then took a few drinks of water, she then went back and continued to weld a bit more and then class ended, she gave the plate to the teacher and Diamond spoke. "You did a great job today Pinkie Pie! Keep up the good work!" She said. "Thanks Diamond." Pinkie Pie told her which made her smile, as she left she saw Jewel in the office, Diamond her sister started to speak to her, Pinkie Pie stopped. "Hey girls Diamond said I did great Jewel!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, Diamond smiled and spoke to Jewel who was also smiling. "Yes she has been improving but she still needs more work." She told Jewel. "Well we both know that my sister will you whip you into shape." She joked while smiling, Pinkie pie giggled. "Thanks, see you two later!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "See you Pinkie Pie!" The sisters said while they smiled, they resumed talking to eachother as they both smiled, Pinkie Pie giggled and left happily as she knew how well she was improving. She told her friends how she was doing and they were all glad that Pinkie Pie was improving in welding class and they hoped that she would pass the class and get certified and then get a welding job, Pinkie Pie told her friends that she hoped that she could do that and her friends hoped at she would as well. Pinkie Pie went home as she looked forward to improving even more.
Chapter 4Pinkie Pie was so glad that she was improving in welding class, she was so glad that Diamond was helping her so much, she knew that as time went on she was getting more confident in her skill, her confidence and her skill has increased since the first time. She went to welding class once again that night. When she got there she was glad to have arrived early, she sat there and hoped that her teacher would arrive, she knew that she looked like she was being rude to the other students by not talking to them but she couldn't help it. She said hi to some of the students though, they all smiled at her and she waited for the teacher, Diamond walked in and smiled while she talked to her class, Pinkie Pie was glad that she had a nice instructor who was patient with her. She realized it was time to get started, she went to her booth and set herself up. She called Diamond over as she hoped her teacher could help for a bit, she hoped that Diamond didn't mind reminding her as it embarrassed her that she forgot how the electrode went in but once when she told Diamond to remind her about which side the electrode goes in Diamond reminded her as she didn't mind reminding Pinkie Pie. She put the electrode in the right way while she showed Pinkie Pie how to do it so that Pinkie Pie would remember how to do it so that she wouldn't forget next time and cause her to ask the teacher and then gave it to Pinkie pie. "Go ahead and weld Pinkie Pie, I'll watch you, you will do a good job just remember the tips that I have given you each time you weld and you will become an excellent welder." She stated. Pinkie Pie smiled at her instructor and then she turned on her machine and then positioned her rod onto her plate and lowered her helmet. She then started to weld for a bit and stopped. "Remember to support your arm with your other arm so that it doesn't shake and become strained and make sure to let the puddle form Pinkie Pie, if you don't let the puddle form then you won't get a good weld on your plate." She told Pinkie Pie nicely. Pinkie Pie smiled and nodded, she brushed the plate and then her teacher repositioned the plate for Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie and Diamond then lowered their helmets and then started to weld again After Pinkie Pie welded on the test plate for a while, Diamond instructed Pinkie Pie to let her give a go at it just so she could help Pinkie Pie, Diamond sat down on the chair and Pinkie Pie handed her the torch and then sat behind Diamond. "I'll just weld for a bit Pinkie Pie and then after that you can give it a go! Is that alright?" She asked. Pinkie Pie nodded and then they both lowered their shield helmets and then Diamond struck an arc and then welded for a bit, Pinkie Pie closely watched Diamond weld. Diamond was a great welder. Diamond kept close watch of the molten pool as it formed while she welded while Pinkie Pie leaned in to see for a bit as her teacher welded the plate, Diamond continued for a few minutes and then extinguished the arc and then she cleaned off the piece. "Now you see how I did that, I let my molten pool form on the test plate, you are forming your molten pool but you need to let it build a teeny bit more, go ahead and try it, I know you will do well as you are doing great in my class." She said, Pinkie Pie smiled and then sat down and then she positioned the electrode and lowered her helmet which her teacher did the same. Pinkie Pie struck the arc once again but got it stuck for a bit but she twisted and then pulled her electrode off of the test plate and then she struck an ark again and then began to weld, she waited for the pool to form a little bit bigger but not that big and then she moved her electorate along while her teacher coached her through it a bit. After she welded she stopped welding and pulled away from the test plate and then she lifted her helmet and cleaned her test plate, Diamond wiped her forehead and watched Pinkie Pie. "Good job, you are improving every day!" She told her student, Pinkie Pie felt so happy to hear that, she was so glad that she was doing well in the class. "Thanks Diamond, I'm so glad that I am improving every day, at first I doubted my self but I'm not doing that any more, I should have never doubted myself, I'm glad you are so nice and paitent." Pinkie Pie said. "No you shouldn't have doubted yourself as I knew you would do very well and you are, we will make you into a welder yet, Your welcome Pinkie Pie." She told Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie giggled. "I'm going to check on the other students, are you sure you can manage on your own Pinkie Pie?" She asked, Pinkie Pie smiled and nodded and Diamond left, Pinkie Pie continued to weld on the test plate as she continued to improve her welding, she was making good progress with her new skill. Time passed and class ended, when class ended Pinkie Pie went to Diamond and got her phone number, when she left she got the receptionists phone number as well as she was free to call them and talk like friends or to tell them if she can't make it to class. Pinkie Pie left as she knew that she was going to succeed in the class as she was making great progress there. She was so happy that she was improving.
Chapter 5Soon days passed by quickly as Pinkie Pie attended her welding class as she got better every day, she was so glad that her teacher was so supportive of her as she taught her how to weld, she began to watch welding instruction videos online which helped her and even watched welding videos because they were fun to watch. A few weeks passed while she attended the class and knew that she could be certified but she wished the test would come soon. She told her teacher about it one day and her teacher nodded as she understood what Pinkie Pie wanted to happen. "I could send a test plate that you weld on to the welding society and see what they say, if they see that you did a good job on it then I don't know why they wouldn't certify you, come on let's weld on a plate right now!" She told Pinkie Pie Diamond and Pinkie Pie took a test plate into a booth and Pinkie Pie set the equipment up before she welded, making sure that everything was ready, she then sat down and her teacher gave her a test plate and left for a few minutes, Pinkie Pie welded and then her teacher came back. "Good news Pinkie Pie I can administer the test right now if you want, their aren't to many students here plus I have the credentials to do it, let's just take a swing at it and see how you do, don't be nervous and try to calm yourself as being nervous might screw up the test plate." She told Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie nodded as she was a bit nervous but she knew that her teacher was telling the truth, she had to make sure she was calm before she began, she knew that if she screwed up she would need to get another chance to take the test. Pinkie Pie knew that she could do it though as she had been going for weeks to the teachers class, she slowly lowered her helmet and then began to weld, her teacher watched her closely. Pinkie Pie started to freak out as she didn't know how she would do. She really wanted to pass, every muscle in her shook from nervousness but she continued as that didn't stop her, she was a few moments away from knowing if she would be certified, she has been going for days so she knew that she should be able to pull this off. She welded as she started to shake a bit but she stopped herself to make sure she didn't get out of control as she welded the test plate, her teacher silently watched her as she knew that the plate would be sent out for testing, she stopped and scraped the excess weld and then took off her gloves, helmet and jacket. "Well you did a great job, we will see what the test readers have to say, I hope you pass, you have been doing really well so you should be able to be certified." Diamond said. Pinkie Pie smiled and hugged her teacher. "Thanks Diamond for everything." Diamond smiled and Pinkie Pie walked out. Diamond told her sister Jewel and Jewel spoke to Pinkie Pie. "Good luck Pinkie Pie!" Jewel said. Pinkie Pie said thanks and shook Jewel's hand and then walked out. When she got home she waited for weeks to get the results, over that time she talked about it to her friends and her friends wished her luck as they hoped that she got certified. Pinkie Pie told the Cake's that she was expecting the test results in the mail so the Cakes agreed to keep an eye on it, she waited patiently but she got irritated as it took quite a while to arrive at her house. Finally the day came, she looked through her mail and squealed in surprise as she was certified. Her friends congratulated her and she told Diamond and Jewel that her friends congratulated her and they were so thrilled for her that they hugged her. She smiled and shook her head from the sudden hugs as it was unprofessional but she didn't care they released her and laughed and then spoke. "Great job Pinkie Pie, I hope you don't forget us and you don't forget what my sister did for you here, she tried her best to help you learn here and it looks like she did her job pretty well." Jewel said. "I'm so proud of you Pinkie Pie, I knew you could do it! You never gave up even if it got tough for you sometimes, you were persistant and I liked that about you, Keep in touch okay. We should meet up again somewhere soon you know? Just all three of us should meet up again and just hang out." She said. "I will, I appreciate everything. We will do that don't worry girls." Pinkie Pie said, Pinkie Pie left and even though her class ended she kept in touch with Diamond and Jewel and they became friends with Pinkie Pie which Pinkie Pie greatly appreciated and she wasn't surprised either as she was friends with everybody in Ponyville. Her friends got acquainted with Diamond and Jewel and they immediately loved them as they became friends with them as well, everything worked out in the end for her which thrilled her, Pinkie Pie had a garage built by Sugarcube Corner and Pinkie Pie started to weld stuff in her own garage that she had built by Sugarcube Corner. It took a while to build it but it was worth the wait. She was glad to finally use it. She knew that she would succeed and that's what she did in the class, she knew that she couldn't have done it without Diamond though and she remembered to never forget what Diamond did for her in the trade class, Pinkie Pie continued to weld while she kept her baking job. Pinkie Pie knew that she made the right choice in picking the trade of welding.
