Becoming a certified welder opens a land of opportunities to you. There is a level of creativity involved with being a welder that many jobs do not have. They build, create and design many things.
Much like other jobs, becoming a certified welder comes with specified training. Welders need skills and proper knowledge to ensure they remain safe during the job. They also must ensure that each product that they create meets a level of proper durability.
Certified welders are extremely skilled and knowledgeable workers. They undergo extensive education and training. To understand how to become a certified welder, it is important to understand how to take the proper steps.
What Does a Welder Do?
A welder fabricates and fuses metal together. They use intense machinery and create heat to meld the metals.
Welders can work in a variety of different industries. They can work in the automotive industry, railroad manufacturing, natural gas distribution, and many other industries. They can also work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the level they are working at.
What Skills Do You Need to Be a Welder?
Welders all need specific training and skills in order to be a welder. These skills range from mathematical skills to physical strength.
Mathematical Skills
A welder must have a basic understanding of math. In some cases, some welding operations may require advanced math.
Basic understandings of different areas of math are important for welding. However, a more advanced understanding will ultimately make you more appealing and qualified.
Technically Sound Welding Techniques
Welders must have the technical knowledge to weld metals properly. This knowledge must range from metal art, arc welding, flux core, gas tungsten, and oxy-fuel. This helps to understand metals of different materials and properties.
Knowledge of Tools & Equipment
A career in welding requires a plethora of tools and equipment. A certified welder must effectively and safely use those tools.
Attention to Detail
Welding is an art. To be a successful welder, a welder must have proper attention to detail. They must have a sharp eye for every detail, and they must pay attention to every detail.
Reading Blueprints
To execute a proper plan, a welder must have the ability to properly read blueprints. A welder must understand the blueprints and every detail they present. This will help welders execute projects.
Physical Strength
Welding is a physically demanding career. A certified welder must have a good deal of physical strength and endurance. Lifting heavy objects occurs frequently in this career.
Teamwork Skills
Welding is often a collaborative job. A welder must show teamwork skills and collaborative abilities.
Proper teamwork is often a mark of great collaboration. A welder needs to collaborate properly with other welders.
Commitment to Safety
There are many immediate dangers that exist in welding. Welders must always stay aware of these dangers. They need to take proper precautions to remain safe.
Reliability
Much like any job, welders must remain reliable. The reliability must continue to safety and production
Adaptability
Welders work on various projects. That means they must adapt to various project needs.
ARC Welding
ARC welding is the process of fusing metals through electricity. The electricity creates enough heat to melt the metal enough to fuse. Welders must have the skills to accomplish this properly and safely.
Interest on Fabricating and Grinding
A welder must know how to bend and cut metals called fabrication. Then they need to know how to give the metal the desired shape.
Certain metal parts can also become rough. It is important to know how to grind down those parts before giving the project to the customer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Certified Welder
A welder must have a high school diploma, but they also must require a certificate or a degree in welding.
The great aspect of welding is that it does not require a Bachelor’s Degree. However, a degree is helpful in some cases. Most welders receive a certification in welding instead of a degree.
There are several different types of certifications that can obtained:
- Employer certification
- American welding society certification (AWS)
- Certified Welder (CW)
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI)
After a certificate or degree, you must then participate in an apprenticeship program. Much like a doctor must be a resident before becoming an attending, welders must also be an apprentice before becoming a certified welder.
Job Outlook & Growth for Welding
As a whole, the job outlook for welders is good.
There is a 6% increase in jobs for welders, and that should occur over the next few years. There is a market full of opportunities for new welders.
Job security also seems strong. However, relocation can also happen from time to time.
How Much Does a Certified Welder Make?
A certified welder can make anywhere from $39,000 to $45,000, according to Indeed and Glassdoor.
These are simply averages, so these numbers are not set in stone. More experienced welders could make more, and rookie welders may make less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is welding a good career?
Welding has many perks. There is not a need for a university degree, and there is not very long extensive training.
Overall, welding is enjoyable work.
What is the highest-paid welding job?
Pipe welder is the highest-paying welding job. They make less than 5% of the welding jobs, and they typically make over $50,000 annually.
What state has the best welding jobs?
Alaska, Louisiana, Washington, Kentucky, and Massachusetts are the top-earning states in welding.
Welding is a great opportunity, especially for those that do not enjoy formal education at a university. It offers comprehensive training and allows for growth in many areas. Not only is it well paid, but welding also offers a level of creativity that a standard desk job does not offer.