Welding is a lucrative and in-demand trade, making it an excellent career choice. Too often, people think welding is an easy career to just pick up and succeed at. While it’s not rocket science, there are different steps to take before starting your welding career.
Understand a Welder’s Responsibilities
Before jumping into any new career, it’s essential to do your research. Welding is a great trade, but it’s not for everyone. Make sure you understand what welders do on a daily basis and what their responsibilities are.
Welders play a vital role in the manufacturing process, fabricating everything from cars and airplanes to pipelines and office furniture. They use various welding processes to join metals together by melting and fusing them with heat.
Welders work in all kinds of environments, including factories and construction sites. They work alongside construction crews, engineers, and other professionals to fabricate metal structures and products. For instance, if a homeowner wants to build a home with a European accent and theme, a welder will be responsible for cladding a steel frame around the sidings—usually a stone veneer to give that European look.
The job can be physically demanding, requiring you to stand for long periods while working with potentially dangerous equipment. The ability to pay close attention to detail is also important, as welders must be precise in their work.
Do an Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is the best way to learn to weld. This involves working with a qualified welder and learning the trade on the job. The length of an apprenticeship varies, but it typically lasts for three to four years. You can find apprenticeship opportunities through your local union, trade school, community college, or vocational training center.
Get Certified
Once you’ve completed an apprenticeship and have experience under your belt, it’s time to get certified. In most states, employers will want to see proof of your certification before hiring you as a welder. To become certified, you must pass both a written exam and an interview with an official examiner. The written exam covers topics including metallurgy, welding codes, and blueprint reading. The practical part of the certification process involves demonstrating your ability to perform specific types of welds.
Choose a Specialty
Welders may choose to specialize in one specific type of welding, such as arc welding, aluminum fabrication, or oxy-fuel cutting. In some cases, you can even become certified in more than one technique. This is beneficial because it makes you more marketable and increases your earning potential. You may choose to specialize in a certain type of welding because you are interested in it or because there are more job opportunities in that area.
Welding can be a challenging and rewarding trade, but only if you’re prepared for it. Remember these steps to take before starting your welding career. It may be a long process, but in the end it’ll be well worth it.
