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What type of experience or credentials do I need to have to get an entry level position as a welder?
I am in metal fabrication at McCann Tech. I am good at welding and with my hands. I hate sitting still i like to be active and moving around. #welding
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5 answers
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Elizabeth’s Answer
I know business owners, such as HVAC and construction trades who intentionally teach courses at community colleges to recruit the best and brightest for their companies. If you want an excellent job, get into a program at a community college and give it your very best! Your teachers are well connected with employers who will scoop you up.
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James’s Answer
Your schooling is enough to get in the door as Entry level. You'll be tested periodically by your Employer
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Rusty’s Answer
a technical training school will be sufficient credentials for most entry level fab jobs. your real test will be on the job as most places will give you a hands on test prior to job acceptance. ask for a practice or a warm up peice proir to testing to get the bugs out of the way most places will let you.my advice is get lots of practice as much as you can, don't get nervous, learn from your mistakes, but most of all, go for it!!!!
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Lauren’s Answer
Great career choice. In the next 10 years, the US will have 400,000 more welding jobs available than welders. Skilled welders can make six figures. Research the different type of welding jobs and companies. There are a few things that will help you get a job. 1) Know your math and how to calculate. 2) Become comfortable in problem-solving and engineering solutions on the fly. 3) Learn how to read shop drawings. 4) Practice your welds. Know at least MIG & TIG. Unless you show your certification, you'll be asked to take a welding test that looks at the visual quality of your welds and how strong they are on a number of different materials and gauges. 5) Take a certification test prep class. They are expensive but less expensive than vocational school. Practice and get your AWS or if your in NYC DOB or DOT certification.
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Brian’s Answer
Great career choice. I have been welding for the past 11 years in the Union Steamfitters as a pipe welder. Definitely need to obtain certifications even on some entry level jobs and usually require taking a weld test that could be specific for the job. I respectfully disagree with one of the answers that was given that you need MIG experience. Although it does help, I believe SMAW (stick welding) to be in more demand in an industrial setting. Look into practicing all processes to be successful in this career. SMAW, TIGAW, MIG, and FCAW. Maybe look into getting into a union where they will teach you for free and able to earn money as an apprentice while learning. This would give you a great career and benefits in addition to learning a craft.
Best of luck
Best of luck