8 Ways To Turn Welding Into A Career

Welders are world builders and are not running out of jobs anytime soon. According to the American Welding Society, the US will need over 400,000 welders by 2025. The reason is not far-fetched. Welders create many of the country’s products, like cars, metal tanks, and kitchen utensils. Welding offers a good level of job security. You, too, can build a lasting career in welding if you follow the guide below on how to become a welder. 

What does a welder do?

Welding is a fabrication process used to join metals or thermoplastic through heat. Welding Supplies from IOC offers all the best equipment needed for a welder. The process involves melting the metal surfaces to a melting point and hammering it to the desired form. Welding may also include cutting of metals. A welder is a trained and qualified professional who joins metals or thermoplastics. A welder makes use of high heat emitting tools like joining metals. The duties of a welder may vary l, but they usually include:

• They cut and assemble metals through high heat emitting tools.
• Welders decide which materials and tools to use based on each job need.
• They regulate the temperature of the tools to ensure the right temperature. 
• They also help prevent workplace hazards. 

Welding as a career offers a good and competitive salary in the US, Canada, and other parts of the world. According to Indeed, the average salary of a welder in the US is $22.57 per hour. However, salaries vary widely, so as a welder, you can expect to improve your earnings if you constantly improve your skills greatly. Most welders are paid on a biweekly, weekly, or monthly basis. 

8 steps to becoming a welder

There are no strict ways of starting a welding career, but the following eight steps will give you a guide: 

• Research and understand the different categories of welding 

Welding is a wide field with several branches. Researching the types of welding is an important step to kick-start your career. If you want to know the job descriptions and requirements of each type of welding, you need to know the types. 

Also, a knowledge of the types of welding will enable you to know which one suits your strength and ability. The requirements, training, and certifications for each type of welding are different. That allows you to know the necessary training and certificate to get. 

• Search for welding programs around you

After selecting a type of welding that best suits your strength, it is time to move to this step. Before starting your journey in welding, you need a training process. A training process is more important if you do not have prior experience in welding. 

Some community colleges and trade schools offer good welding training. They are one of the best places to start your career. They offer one of the best training programs in welding. A good welding program will include a placement opportunity to start your career. The American Welding Society (AWS) provides a database of welding programs you can attend. You should check it out. 

• Get hands-on experience in welding. 

Once you have chosen a suitable and near training program, it is time to enroll in the program. Welding requires hands-on experience. That experience cannot be learned using books or videos; you must practice. Attending a good training program will give you the necessary experience. 

• Sign up for an apprenticeship program

To gain more experience in welding and be job-ready, you need to sign up for an apprenticeship program. Most companies with welding departments offer an apprenticeship training program. At these programs, you will have access to hands-on experience in welding. 

Also, these apprenticeship programs increase your work hours, helping with your accreditation. Completing your apprenticeship program will elevate you to the rank of a journeyman. The number of years to meet a journeyman’s rank varies from state to state in the US. You need to know the number of years required for your state. 

• Get a certificate 

It is important to complement your experience with a recognized certificate in welding. Before starting your career in welding, you need to get a certificate in welding. Certificates in welding vary from one region to another. Also, getting certified in the skillset you earn and the area you wish to practice is important. However, most employers look for the basic certificate, the AWS Certified Welder Certification. 

• Begin your job search

After getting the necessary certificates, you are now ready for employment opportunities. You can now begin searching and applying for jobs. You can start searching for jobs online and submit your resume to companies. Apply for jobs that match your skill sets meet. 

While applying, ensure you highlight your skill sets in your resume. Provide practical examples of previous experience in each skill in your resume. You can also inform your friends and close associates about your job search. They may find an opportunity for you.

• Update your resume

As you continue your job search, ensure you update your resume. Include any other skill sets you earn during the pendency of you landing a job. That will improve your chances of getting a job. It shows employers that you are willing to learn and try new things in the ever-evolving world. 

• Take courses that improve your skillset.

No matter how good you are, there will always be room for improvement and growth in any field. That also applies to a career in welding. For example, getting certificate courses in project management is needed if you wish to transition to becoming a project manager. 

Look out for courses in your field, attend specialist training, and interact with people in your field to improve your chances of boosting your career. 

 At the End of the Day

We’ll always need welders as long as buildings, factories, and machinery are built. So, if you’re about to get into this career, following the steps described in this article will help you get into this profession and make a career.