3 answers
Jadyn
Student
Palmer, Alaska
1
Question
Asked
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What do you enjoy most about your job? What is the average work day like? What kinds of skills do I need to succeed in the field?
I am a student at job corps looking to conduct an informational interview to get more insight on the welding career industry and what to expect and look forwards to in my career.
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3 answers
Ed Wheatley
Project Manager
5
Answers
Festus, Missouri
Updated
Ed’s Answer
Hi, Jaydn. I'm happy to see your interest in the welding trades industry. You're asking very insightful questions. My responses are below.
What do you enjoy most about your job? This is highly dependent on what particular sector of industry you get into. Welding is a very diverse trade and science - it's hard to touch something in our modern world that hasn't involved or depended on welding at some point in it's existence. From the obvious end user items where the welding is evident and part of the finished product (cars, bridges, buildings, disposable razors) to things where the tie to welding may be more obscure such as electrical power, tooth paste, and gasoline - welding touches everything! Likewise,
the forms and applications of welding vary greatly - from the basic manual processes most people are familiar with (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, etc.) to advanced joining processes such as laser and friction stir welding. So, trying to nail down what is most enjoyable is difficult. That said, I think it is safe to say most welders enjoy the satisfaction of applying their skills and knowledge to produce a tangible item or result that serves a useful purpose.
What is the average work day like? Similar to your first question, this is very hard to answer due to the wide variety of jobs within the industry. Generally speaking, welders typically work alone or in small groups/teams. There are occupational and health hazards related to welding that are common across most manual welding jobs. These hazards include things such as burn hazards, electrical shock, fume, and noise exposure to name a few.
In a production environment, a welder will likely be indoors in a shop or factory. Depending on the nature of the product(s) being produced, the shops could be climate controlled (sometimes highly climate controlled) but frequently are not. Production welders typically produce the same or similar product(s) on a repetitive basis. They will sometimes use jigs and fixtures in their work. Production welding is frequently automated - sometimes even using robots! In construction work, welders can generally expect to find themselves outdoors or semi-outdoors as their work is supporting the construction of a building, structure, or facility that previously did not exist or is being modified. Construction work presents a host of potential hazards including working from heights, working in confined spaces, temperature/weather extremes, and rigging/lifting hazards. In a maintenance welding application, the welder will be working in a facility where welding is used to maintain or repair processing and manufacturing equipment. Similar to construction welders, maintenance welders can find themselves indoors or outdoors and can encounter all the hazards associated with construction work. In addition to these, maintenance welders can also be exposed to hazardous chemicals and equipment that is in operation near to where they're working.
What kinds of skills do I need to succeed in the field? Curiosity, willingness to learn, safety conscientiousness, and a strong work ethic will serve you well in the welding industry.
What do you enjoy most about your job? This is highly dependent on what particular sector of industry you get into. Welding is a very diverse trade and science - it's hard to touch something in our modern world that hasn't involved or depended on welding at some point in it's existence. From the obvious end user items where the welding is evident and part of the finished product (cars, bridges, buildings, disposable razors) to things where the tie to welding may be more obscure such as electrical power, tooth paste, and gasoline - welding touches everything! Likewise,
the forms and applications of welding vary greatly - from the basic manual processes most people are familiar with (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, etc.) to advanced joining processes such as laser and friction stir welding. So, trying to nail down what is most enjoyable is difficult. That said, I think it is safe to say most welders enjoy the satisfaction of applying their skills and knowledge to produce a tangible item or result that serves a useful purpose.
What is the average work day like? Similar to your first question, this is very hard to answer due to the wide variety of jobs within the industry. Generally speaking, welders typically work alone or in small groups/teams. There are occupational and health hazards related to welding that are common across most manual welding jobs. These hazards include things such as burn hazards, electrical shock, fume, and noise exposure to name a few.
In a production environment, a welder will likely be indoors in a shop or factory. Depending on the nature of the product(s) being produced, the shops could be climate controlled (sometimes highly climate controlled) but frequently are not. Production welders typically produce the same or similar product(s) on a repetitive basis. They will sometimes use jigs and fixtures in their work. Production welding is frequently automated - sometimes even using robots! In construction work, welders can generally expect to find themselves outdoors or semi-outdoors as their work is supporting the construction of a building, structure, or facility that previously did not exist or is being modified. Construction work presents a host of potential hazards including working from heights, working in confined spaces, temperature/weather extremes, and rigging/lifting hazards. In a maintenance welding application, the welder will be working in a facility where welding is used to maintain or repair processing and manufacturing equipment. Similar to construction welders, maintenance welders can find themselves indoors or outdoors and can encounter all the hazards associated with construction work. In addition to these, maintenance welders can also be exposed to hazardous chemicals and equipment that is in operation near to where they're working.
What kinds of skills do I need to succeed in the field? Curiosity, willingness to learn, safety conscientiousness, and a strong work ethic will serve you well in the welding industry.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Updated
12 hours ago
·
·
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Jadyn,
My journey into the world of astronomy began when my family gifted me a small telescope in 1969, leading me to aspire to be an astronomer or an astrophysicist. However, a pivotal moment in 1974, when my uncle tragically passed away from a heart attack at the age of 38, shifted my focus. His former academic supervisor joined our university too to lecture in biochemistry, which sparked my interest in nutrition and the chemistry of life not stars.
My experience with programming dates back to 1972, during my grade 11 physics class. This passion has persisted, and for the past 30 years, I've been creating educational software focused on health.
Frankly, there is a great deal of dissatisfaction with losing a relative. When my father passed away I decided to become a dietitian-nutritionist. The opportunity to help people transition from illness to health fuels my passion for this work. While doctors diagnose their ailments, I have the privilege of aiding their recovery through nutritional guidance.
WHAT US DIETITIAN-NUTRITIONISTS DO.
NUTRITION CAN ALLAY DISEASE THROUGH THE PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY.
1. We Find Deficiencies or Excesses of the Nutrients in the Client's Food Intake.
2. We do this by referring to the RDA / RDI.
3. We Seek Rich Sources of Deficient Nutrients.
4. We Limit Sources of Excess Nutrients.
5. We Take Note of Medical History And How It Relates To Symptoms.
6. We Compile a Food Menu which includes these Food Sources of Deficient Nutrients.
7. We Exclude Excessive Nutrients.
8. We Educate Health Practitioners, Families, and Patients.
9. We Show What Is Done And Why.
10. We understand how Nutrient Repletion Activates Health Attainment.
My day is talking to computers; programming in Nutrition and Consulting Patients / Clients/Industry/Policymakers.
May God Bless You,
JC.
12 hours ago
·
·
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Jadyn,
My journey into the world of astronomy began when my family gifted me a small telescope in 1969, leading me to aspire to be an astronomer or an astrophysicist. However, a pivotal moment in 1974, when my uncle tragically passed away from a heart attack at the age of 38, shifted my focus. His former academic supervisor joined our university too to lecture in biochemistry, which sparked my interest in nutrition and the chemistry of life not stars.
My experience with programming dates back to 1972, during my grade 11 physics class. This passion has persisted, and for the past 30 years, I've been creating educational software focused on health.
Frankly, there is a great deal of dissatisfaction with losing a relative. When my father passed away I decided to become a dietitian-nutritionist. The opportunity to help people transition from illness to health fuels my passion for this work. While doctors diagnose their ailments, I have the privilege of aiding their recovery through nutritional guidance.
WHAT US DIETITIAN-NUTRITIONISTS DO.
NUTRITION CAN ALLAY DISEASE THROUGH THE PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY.
1. We Find Deficiencies or Excesses of the Nutrients in the Client's Food Intake.
2. We do this by referring to the RDA / RDI.
3. We Seek Rich Sources of Deficient Nutrients.
4. We Limit Sources of Excess Nutrients.
5. We Take Note of Medical History And How It Relates To Symptoms.
6. We Compile a Food Menu which includes these Food Sources of Deficient Nutrients.
7. We Exclude Excessive Nutrients.
8. We Educate Health Practitioners, Families, and Patients.
9. We Show What Is Done And Why.
10. We understand how Nutrient Repletion Activates Health Attainment.
My day is talking to computers; programming in Nutrition and Consulting Patients / Clients/Industry/Policymakers.
May God Bless You,
JC.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Jadyn
John Fening
Occupational Safety, Health Manager
47
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Jadyn
I was a complete waste of a high school student; skipping school, sleeping in school, no doing any homework, and the list goes on and on. Then I got an offer from a Judge to either go in a military service or go to jail. He was tired of seeing me every other week or so for a lot of b-s- stuff.
So I joined the US Navy because I liked to work on car engines, as a Machinist Mate. My recruiter convinced me that I was Nuclear Field qualified; mostly because for every person he got to enlist as a "Nuc" he got a Friday off. It was in the Nuclear field where I found out just how bad I was in high school. Long story short I passed Nuclear Power School and the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit School. Becoming a US Navy Submarine Nuclear Power Operator as well as a designated Navy Nuclear Certified Emergency Welder.
Over my 21 year naval career I welded on a large variety of projects and repairs. While attached to a Submarine tender I supervised a crew from the shipfitters shop in the repair of a floating drydock, installation of lockers on submarines and repairs to pump foundations and pipe hangers. Work requiring a large amount of "Just how do I accomplish this task?" thoughts with a work site in the overhead area climbing or better wiggling through and across a variety of piping and cable structures. Or the sites were below the deck plates requiring squeezing through a variety of structures to reach the site. No many were within easy reach to work on.
Over my career I have been a Welder, Welding Supervisor, Welding Quality Control and Assurance Inspector on nuclear submarines, drydocks (floating and permanent), prototypes. And I loved every minute...
There is no way to describe what you as a welder might face in your day-to-day efforts. That would depend on what, where and who you go to work for. So if you are interested in becoming a welder then look in your neighborhood and surrounding area for ay weld shops, etc. Stop in an visit with the Owner and ask for a job as a trainee. Then make your decision on if you like thew work or not.
If you'd prefer then look online for any local welding schools that provide you with certifications as you gather your education and develop your skills. Finally go online a research US Navy welding job ratings; Hull Technician, Welder, etc.
Good Luck and I hope you enjoy your life as I did mine.
I was a complete waste of a high school student; skipping school, sleeping in school, no doing any homework, and the list goes on and on. Then I got an offer from a Judge to either go in a military service or go to jail. He was tired of seeing me every other week or so for a lot of b-s- stuff.
So I joined the US Navy because I liked to work on car engines, as a Machinist Mate. My recruiter convinced me that I was Nuclear Field qualified; mostly because for every person he got to enlist as a "Nuc" he got a Friday off. It was in the Nuclear field where I found out just how bad I was in high school. Long story short I passed Nuclear Power School and the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit School. Becoming a US Navy Submarine Nuclear Power Operator as well as a designated Navy Nuclear Certified Emergency Welder.
Over my 21 year naval career I welded on a large variety of projects and repairs. While attached to a Submarine tender I supervised a crew from the shipfitters shop in the repair of a floating drydock, installation of lockers on submarines and repairs to pump foundations and pipe hangers. Work requiring a large amount of "Just how do I accomplish this task?" thoughts with a work site in the overhead area climbing or better wiggling through and across a variety of piping and cable structures. Or the sites were below the deck plates requiring squeezing through a variety of structures to reach the site. No many were within easy reach to work on.
Over my career I have been a Welder, Welding Supervisor, Welding Quality Control and Assurance Inspector on nuclear submarines, drydocks (floating and permanent), prototypes. And I loved every minute...
There is no way to describe what you as a welder might face in your day-to-day efforts. That would depend on what, where and who you go to work for. So if you are interested in becoming a welder then look in your neighborhood and surrounding area for ay weld shops, etc. Stop in an visit with the Owner and ask for a job as a trainee. Then make your decision on if you like thew work or not.
If you'd prefer then look online for any local welding schools that provide you with certifications as you gather your education and develop your skills. Finally go online a research US Navy welding job ratings; Hull Technician, Welder, etc.
Good Luck and I hope you enjoy your life as I did mine.