You want a career that is rewarding, but you also don’t want to be bored. It would be nice to find something challenging. You want a career path that won’t be obsolete in the future.
If you are looking to get some education and training in something that you can use your mind and work with your body, welding may be a career opportunity for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in welding will increase by 4% in the next few years.
It’s about time you knew how to become a welder, because these jobs are not going away, and they are rewarding careers. Let’s get into a few specifics and you will know that this is the right career for you.
What Does a Welder Do?
When you know how to weld, you are a professional who is trained in using heat to join various types of metal together. You do this to build or repair goods or products.
There are various types of welding you can pursue a career with because there is an array of products for welders to build. This includes:
- Housing structures
- Commercial structures
- Automobiles
- Bridges
- Ships
- Aircrafts
One of the daily tasks would be to ensure that you completed the project in a safe and durable manner for the end-user. You must follow safety regulations.
As a welder, you would handle flames responsibly. The employer will expect you to clean and store the equipment for welding.
An interesting part of being a welder is that you will look at blueprints so that you know the length and dimensions of the product you are welding.
How to Become a Welder
To pursue a career in welding, you should first do some research on the various welding jobs there are on the market. Then, you will need to take some courses in welding so that you can earn your welding certificate.
Next, you will look to gain hands-on experience while you become a certified welder. Finally, start your job search for your next fantastic employer with benefits.
How to Learn Welding
As soon as you know what type of welding you want to get into, look at what the educational requirements are for the specialty you choose. Typically, a career in welding requires a high school diploma or GED.
If you are attending a high school that offers courses in welding, take that course so you can become familiar with the different types of welding. You will also want to take math courses such as geometry. A career in welding means measuring dimensions often.
After you have a high school education, you can enroll in a welding certificate program, or you can enroll in a community college. A program for a welding certificate usually takes about six months to two years. This will give you the foundation for understanding the responsibilities of a welder.
You could pursue a bachelor’s degree in welding if you desire, too.
How to Get into Welding
After you have accreditation, you can get hands-on training experience as a welder. You can do this by accepting an apprenticeship. You should choose an apprentice opportunity in the type of welding you ultimately want to pursue.
An apprenticeship lets you shadow and perform supervised work. This is how you really learn what it is like to be a welder, as you get real-world experience.
Once you complete an apprenticeship, you could stay with the company that you worked with during the apprenticeship if they extend an offer. Otherwise, you can take your experience and apply for a full-time role as a welder.
Before you can accept a full-time offer, you will need to be certified in the specific type of welding you want to perform for a living. Depending on your skill set and what you plan to do for work, there are multiple certifications available.
The various types of welding available are:
- Arc welding
- MIG welding
- TIG welding
- Hyperbaric welding
- Oxyacetylene welding
Most employers will require a basic AWS Certified Welder certification. You will need to take an exam at any of the many AWS Accredited Testing Facilities. They require nothing to take the exam.
Part is written and part of it is watching your welding skill and performance in person. Once you are certified, this is how to become a welder.
Good Skills to Have
If you want to become a welder, it is good that you possess strong attention to detail. You should have impressive endurance and dexterity.
Excellent hand-eye coordination and superior time management skills are also a few “must-haves” that will help you greatly in making a successful welding career.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder?
The question of “how long” really depends on you and the educational route that you want. An apprenticeship can take a few years to complete, while you may complete a vocational school in less than one year.
A bachelor’s degree program in welding can take approximately four years to finish.
How Much Money Does a Welder Make?
The pay for a welder depends on the type of welding and how much education they have. The location of the work affects the salary too. Each state is different.
According to salary.com, a “Welder I” can make a median average salary of $43,245 annually. A “Welder II” averages $51,538 per year.
Usually, a rig welder is the highest-paid type of welder around the world. They often have the most education and qualifications.
Number One Welders in New Jersey
Swenson Welding is a family-owned business and the number one welding company in New Jersey. Our welders have honed their skills and pushed boundaries in both welding and fabrication. With 30 years of experience, we get you the quality products you are looking for.
If you want to know how to become a welder, just ask any of our professional staff members who have been down your road. Reach out today and embark on a lifetime of success!