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How do I get into welding?
As a Senior in High school, I figure that now is the best time to start working towards my career. That being said what are some of the best first steps I can take to get into welding?
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David’s Answer
Great question Marcus. I work with a number of welders plus my son just graduated from welding school, so here is what I know:
Like most fields, there are areas of specialization in welding. With the help of a guidance counselor or parent, I would encourage you to reach out to different companies and job shadow a welder and see what you like and do not like. Would you like to work as a fabricator? in exotic metals? on a pipeline? underwater? in structural erection? There are a lot of YouTube videos on welding as well, so first - figure out the type of welding you want to do. Then - take a look at the schools available to you that teach that specialty. My son wanted to work in industry, so he opted to attend a 6 month welding school which also taught industrial safety, rigging, crane signaling, forklift operation, etc. It was the same cost as a semester in private college, but he will have earned that amount in his first 4 months on the job. Welding can be a satisfying and well-paying career. Good luck!
Like most fields, there are areas of specialization in welding. With the help of a guidance counselor or parent, I would encourage you to reach out to different companies and job shadow a welder and see what you like and do not like. Would you like to work as a fabricator? in exotic metals? on a pipeline? underwater? in structural erection? There are a lot of YouTube videos on welding as well, so first - figure out the type of welding you want to do. Then - take a look at the schools available to you that teach that specialty. My son wanted to work in industry, so he opted to attend a 6 month welding school which also taught industrial safety, rigging, crane signaling, forklift operation, etc. It was the same cost as a semester in private college, but he will have earned that amount in his first 4 months on the job. Welding can be a satisfying and well-paying career. Good luck!
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Robert’s Answer
Hi Marcus,
Many junior or community colleges offer welding programs. As a senior I would start looking into those programs. I’ve been in welding and manufacturing for over 25 year and I started my career in a welding shop as a helper. I was given the opportunity to go to school for welding through the company o was working for and I climbed the ladder so to speak to a full time certified welder. If you can find a job in a company that does welding it would be a good first start. Welding technology has advanced som much in the past few decades it’s amazing! There are many opportunities to enter the field you just have to start looking for opportunities in your area. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Junior colleges
Job in a welding and manufacturing company
Videos on YouTube
Local Iron Workers Unions
Many junior or community colleges offer welding programs. As a senior I would start looking into those programs. I’ve been in welding and manufacturing for over 25 year and I started my career in a welding shop as a helper. I was given the opportunity to go to school for welding through the company o was working for and I climbed the ladder so to speak to a full time certified welder. If you can find a job in a company that does welding it would be a good first start. Welding technology has advanced som much in the past few decades it’s amazing! There are many opportunities to enter the field you just have to start looking for opportunities in your area. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
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