There is always a very steady demand for skilled and talented people with welding training and experience. These welder jobs can be found at construction sites, shipyards, large industrial plants, or at auto or machine shops. One of the good things about welding is that you can learn different types of welding and use your skills in many different settings.
A welder is someone who is trained in different ways to permanently connect different metal parts to other pieces of metal by using high temperature heat sources. When the heat is applied through a directional nozzle or other apparatus, the metal begins to soften and the pieces can be joined together. As the metal begins to cool down to match the surrounding temperature the bonded metal solidifies and hardens. The bond of the combined metal pieces will be permanent. These recombined bonds are incredibly strong and this is why they are used for many building and industrial purposes. Welders learn many different types and styles of welding.
Most welding jobs are found in construction and commercial fields. Auto shops and body shops use welders to help repair parts of car frames. Buildings and bridges are all constructed with the help of welders. Welders are able to use their skills in many areas all across the country. To be a good welder you must have excellent eyesight and very good coordination.
Welders are required to perform difficult assignments under less than perfect conditions. They may have to climb metal scaffolding to weld, or crawl under low building structures and remain in stooped positions for long periods of time in order to complete a welding task. They are responsible for bringing their supplies and welding equipment with them, which means they may have to climb tall ladders with a welding tank on their back. Welders must also always wear protective gear including a face and hair shield, protective eyewear, and gloves.
Most welders receive training and certification in different welding specialties. Many of these are short courses and some of them are offered at local community colleges. Nowadays employers prefer welders to have certain certifications before they are hired. Some welders work indoors, but many have outdoor assignments where the weather conditions can be very harsh at times.
Training for welders can begin with shop and trade courses taken in high school. The courses for welders can also be found at vocational schools and many community colleges. To become a basic welder all you need is 6-8 weeks of instruction at vocational school, technical school, or a private welding school. This will qualify you to do some routine and basic welding assignments but will generally only pay about $10 per hour.
Highly skilled welding jobs will require several years of school combined with experience. Most employers look for certified welders and there is always a welding test before a person is hired. Anyone who is considering welding as their occupation should try to take some additional classes in basic math and at least one or two introductory computer courses. More welders have to deal with computers in the course of their assignments. Welding machine operators deal with robots and other computer-controlled machinery. A good knowledge of blueprints and electricity may also help a welder be more marketable as a worker.
Both males and females can become welders and the job is actually ideal for some women because it involves precise and meticulous movements. Welding is not about brute force, but it is about paying close attention to the details of your work. Today there is a great demand for welders who are qualified in particular types of welding. You earn this qualification by completing courses and passing practical testing of the welding methods. Once you successfully finish the course, you will be granted certification in that particular type of welding.
The certifications that are most in demand by employers are those dealing with structural shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc and gas metal arc welding and special alloy welding. There are also certifications for nontraditional metals and this specialty earns the highest welder pay. Welders with experience and skill can become welding supervisors, certified welding inspectors, or even certified welding instructors. Many welders have their own businesses or part time shops that they operate to bring in extra money.
Certified welders today can anticipate salaries from $28,000-$45,000 a year. Most employers provide benefits including health and dental insurance. This job requires a person to have a high school degree—today many welders are going back to school for certifications.
