Welder Jobs

WHAT IS A WELDER?

There are several types of welding, but the general idea is the same for each type of welder: heating different metals to a melting point and joining (or fusing) them together. It may sound easy, but it can be quite complicated. Some types of welding are easier to learn than the others. However, it is a skill trade and will require some education. More on that in a minute.

Welding is a common job in many different types of industries. You might find welders in aerospace engineering, automotive, manufacturing, construction, military, & nuclear fields. Welding is a skilled trade, and not all welds are created equally. There are four main types of welding: gas metal arc welding (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), shielded metal arc welding (Stick), flux cored arc welding. Each of these types of welding have various pros and cons, which are different for each situation.

WHAT ARE THE DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILITIES OF A WELDER?

Because welding is used in so many different industries, the environment of a welder varies quite a bit–including being underwater! Yet, manufacturing welders represent the largest percentage of welders in the US. 

The job often requires long hours and for the worker to be on their feet for long periods of time. Welding can be dangerous, tedious, and hot. So, the welder starts the day with safety checks and inspect the work order. There is also quite a bit of protective and safety equipment that must deal with. 

Many times the job requires that they work within a team and are have to work in shifts. They will spend most of the day bonding pieces of metal together, reviewing blueprints, measuring dimensions, and maintaining their equipment.

WHAT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS ARE NECESSARY FOR WELDERS?

Most welding positions require some sort of education and previous experience. Some may even require a certification before hiring a welder. Welding is a bit of an art, but it is also very precise. You will need to have a firm grasp of mathematics, measuring, and an understanding of bonding metals. 

In addition, many welders learn other trades as well. As such, you will be a more desirable employee if you learn other skills as well: grinding, CNC, and other machines. You will likely be required to pass some sort of welding test before being hired on.

If you enjoy working with your hands, and you think welding is a career path for you, CLICK HERE to browse welding jobs in your area.