3 answers
Isreal
Student
1
Question
Updated
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Is it easy to become a welder ?
How do I become a welder
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3 answers
Matthew Trull
Technical Writer
19
Answers
Thonotosassa, Florida
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hello Isreal,
I must admit that I am not a welder nor have I ever been a welder. Part of my job requires some research. I did a quick search and found a step-by-step guide that should be helpful...
1. Complete High School or Obtain a GED
* Why? A high school diploma or GED is often required to enter most welding programs. Courses in math, science, and shop can be beneficial.
2. Research Welding Programs
* Options: Look into community colleges, technical schools, or trade schools that offer welding programs. Some high schools may also offer dual-enrollment programs for welding.
* Considerations: Check the duration of the program, certification opportunities, and hands-on training components.
3. Enroll in a Welding Training Program
* What’s Included: Programs typically cover various welding techniques (e.g., MIG, TIG, Stick welding), safety protocols, blueprint reading, and metallurgy.
* Hands-On Training: Ensure the program offers plenty of practical experience, as welding is a skill best learned by doing.
4. Gain Practical Experience
* Internships/Apprenticeships: Some programs offer apprenticeships or internships where you can work under experienced welders. This on-the-job training is invaluable.
* Entry-Level Jobs: Consider taking an entry-level welding job to gain real-world experience while you continue your education.
5. Obtain Certifications
* Common Certifications: The American Welding Society (AWS) offers various certifications, such as the Certified Welder (CW) credential, which is widely recognized in the industry.
* Specialized Certifications: Depending on the field you want to enter (e.g., underwater welding, pipeline welding), you may need additional specialized certifications.
6. Build a Portfolio
* Document Your Work: Take photos or videos of your welding projects to create a portfolio. This can be helpful when applying for jobs or further certifications.
* Showcase Skills: Include different types of welds, materials, and techniques to demonstrate your versatility.
7. Look for Job Opportunities
* Industries: Welders are needed in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace.
* Job Boards: Search on job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and industry-specific sites. Networking within your welding program can also help.
8. Continue Learning and Advancing
* Advanced Training: Consider pursuing advanced welding certifications or learning specialized welding techniques to increase your job opportunities and earning potential.
* Stay Updated: Welding technology and safety standards can change, so staying current with industry trends and continuing education is crucial.
9. Consider Joining a Union
* Benefits: Joining a welding union can provide job security, access to better wages, benefits, and further training opportunities.
10. Build a Career Path
* Specializations: You may choose to specialize in areas like underwater welding, aerospace welding, or robotics.
* Advancement: Over time, with experience and certifications, you can advance to positions like welding inspector, foreman, or even open your own welding business.
This path provides a solid foundation to enter the welding profession and grow within the field.
I hope this is helpful,
Matthew
I must admit that I am not a welder nor have I ever been a welder. Part of my job requires some research. I did a quick search and found a step-by-step guide that should be helpful...
1. Complete High School or Obtain a GED
* Why? A high school diploma or GED is often required to enter most welding programs. Courses in math, science, and shop can be beneficial.
2. Research Welding Programs
* Options: Look into community colleges, technical schools, or trade schools that offer welding programs. Some high schools may also offer dual-enrollment programs for welding.
* Considerations: Check the duration of the program, certification opportunities, and hands-on training components.
3. Enroll in a Welding Training Program
* What’s Included: Programs typically cover various welding techniques (e.g., MIG, TIG, Stick welding), safety protocols, blueprint reading, and metallurgy.
* Hands-On Training: Ensure the program offers plenty of practical experience, as welding is a skill best learned by doing.
4. Gain Practical Experience
* Internships/Apprenticeships: Some programs offer apprenticeships or internships where you can work under experienced welders. This on-the-job training is invaluable.
* Entry-Level Jobs: Consider taking an entry-level welding job to gain real-world experience while you continue your education.
5. Obtain Certifications
* Common Certifications: The American Welding Society (AWS) offers various certifications, such as the Certified Welder (CW) credential, which is widely recognized in the industry.
* Specialized Certifications: Depending on the field you want to enter (e.g., underwater welding, pipeline welding), you may need additional specialized certifications.
6. Build a Portfolio
* Document Your Work: Take photos or videos of your welding projects to create a portfolio. This can be helpful when applying for jobs or further certifications.
* Showcase Skills: Include different types of welds, materials, and techniques to demonstrate your versatility.
7. Look for Job Opportunities
* Industries: Welders are needed in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace.
* Job Boards: Search on job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and industry-specific sites. Networking within your welding program can also help.
8. Continue Learning and Advancing
* Advanced Training: Consider pursuing advanced welding certifications or learning specialized welding techniques to increase your job opportunities and earning potential.
* Stay Updated: Welding technology and safety standards can change, so staying current with industry trends and continuing education is crucial.
9. Consider Joining a Union
* Benefits: Joining a welding union can provide job security, access to better wages, benefits, and further training opportunities.
10. Build a Career Path
* Specializations: You may choose to specialize in areas like underwater welding, aerospace welding, or robotics.
* Advancement: Over time, with experience and certifications, you can advance to positions like welding inspector, foreman, or even open your own welding business.
This path provides a solid foundation to enter the welding profession and grow within the field.
I hope this is helpful,
Matthew
Thank you, Matthew for the advice.
Isreal
Thank you Matthew your information is very helpful
Isreal
James Bitting
Welder Fabricator
1
Answer
Wichita, Kansas
Updated
James’s Answer
Hi Israel,
Some people have an easier time becoming a welder than others. I went to a technical college 4 nights per week for 4 hours each night for a year and a half to earn a technical certification in welding. The classes I took taught me MIG welding (aka GMAW), Stick welding(aka SMAW), and TIG welding (aka GTAW), as well as classes on blueprint reading, fabrication, and safety. Most of the time I was in the welding lab practicing different welding processes, different metals, different joints etc. There was also some modules we had to do on the computer for each course. A technical college or community college program in welding can be a great way to start out becoming a welder. Many of these programs are pretty low cost and some even have scholarships that will cover the whole cost. You’d want to call the school’s admissions office and ask about scholarships for the welding program. There are other options as well. Some shops will hire you as a laborer and then train you to be a welder or pay for your training. It depends on the shop though. A combination of school and full time work as a welder is the best way to become good at the trade. Good luck!
Some people have an easier time becoming a welder than others. I went to a technical college 4 nights per week for 4 hours each night for a year and a half to earn a technical certification in welding. The classes I took taught me MIG welding (aka GMAW), Stick welding(aka SMAW), and TIG welding (aka GTAW), as well as classes on blueprint reading, fabrication, and safety. Most of the time I was in the welding lab practicing different welding processes, different metals, different joints etc. There was also some modules we had to do on the computer for each course. A technical college or community college program in welding can be a great way to start out becoming a welder. Many of these programs are pretty low cost and some even have scholarships that will cover the whole cost. You’d want to call the school’s admissions office and ask about scholarships for the welding program. There are other options as well. Some shops will hire you as a laborer and then train you to be a welder or pay for your training. It depends on the shop though. A combination of school and full time work as a welder is the best way to become good at the trade. Good luck!
Daniel Chasteen
Welder
28
Answers
Pontiac, Illinois
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Starting on the journey to become a welder is a unique experience for everyone. Some folks I know have mastered the craft in just a few days, while others, despite years of practice, still seem like beginners. The key to success lies in dedication and the amount of effort you're willing to invest in learning.
If you're a beginner with no prior experience, I'd recommend starting with any welding courses your high school might offer. If that's not an option, you can always turn to community colleges, as most of them offer welding courses. Trade schools are also a great place to learn.
Remember to be patient with yourself throughout this process. You'll have days when everything goes right and days when nothing seems to work. Don't let the tough days discourage you. Many factories are willing to hire people with minimal experience. The pay might not be top-notch initially, but it's a great way to get your foot in the door and gain valuable experience.
I hope you find this advice helpful. Best of luck on your welding journey!
If you're a beginner with no prior experience, I'd recommend starting with any welding courses your high school might offer. If that's not an option, you can always turn to community colleges, as most of them offer welding courses. Trade schools are also a great place to learn.
Remember to be patient with yourself throughout this process. You'll have days when everything goes right and days when nothing seems to work. Don't let the tough days discourage you. Many factories are willing to hire people with minimal experience. The pay might not be top-notch initially, but it's a great way to get your foot in the door and gain valuable experience.
I hope you find this advice helpful. Best of luck on your welding journey!