How to Get Into Welding

There are many ways to get into this field, from on-the-job training to a degree in welding. You will be required to get a certification for the type of welding that you want to pursue.

As welding jobs often involve complex welding equipment and high-temperature flames, most welding industry employers prefer welders with the necessary certifications, credentials, and training.

What Exactly Does a Welder Do?

Professional welders are trained in the art of joining and fusing metals together through the process of heating. Whether they build metal products, fabricate off-shore or oil rig structures, or do general repair and maintenance, professional welders are highly in demand both in their own countries and overseas. 

How Does One Become a Welder?

If you prefer working with practical, hands-on elements over theoretical concepts, welding could be a good career choice for you. In order to become a successful welder, you must have a strong passion for building things, along with extensive training and practice.

You must also be aware of the industry trends, types of welding processes, and techniques, and potential employers to build a successful career in the welding industry.

If you are interested in becoming a welder, you can start with small welding projects until you are confident enough to take on bigger projects. Here are the steps you can take to get yourself into welding:

Research the Different types of Welding Jobs

The ability to join all kinds of metals in weldings, such as mild steel, aluminum, and stainless steel, makes welding a diverse field. Depending on the type of metal you need to join and its critical application, the type of welding can be significantly different.

There are many different types of welding, and the common ones are MIG Welding, TIG Welding, Stick Welding, and Flux-Coated Arc Welding.

The requirements for different types of welding can vary greatly depending on the skills, training, and certifications needed. You need to learn the skills associated with welding that match your strengths and capabilities. Get trained and certified in welding techniques, such as MIG and TIG welding to help you land one of the most high-paying jobs.

Take Welding Courses

If you’re looking to start a career in welding, it’s worth considering enrolling in a training program. It’s a great way to get started in welding, especially if you don’t have any prior welding experience. You can become a welder by obtaining a welding certification or an associate’s degree in welding engineering.

A standard welding certification program usually lasts six to eight months. For a successful welding career, it is important to keep your knowledge up to date with relevant skills.

Generally, the minimum requirement for taking up a welder training program is a high-school diploma or a GED. When you have completed your GED, you can apply to a welding program in a vocational school or a community college for a welding certificate program.

Get a Degree in Eelding Rngineering Technology

A great way to increase your chances in the field of welding is to get a degree in welding engineering technology. 

As compared to a certificate program, you will learn higher-level welding skills as you gain more practical exposure. During the program, you will gain valuable hands-on experience that can greatly assist you in establishing a successful career.

Gain Practical Experience

An apprenticeship program in welding offers you the opportunity to learn several different types of welding and is also–a great way to earn while you learn. This could be part of the requirements at the vocational school or community college that you’ll enroll in.

The more practical training you complete during your apprenticeship, the better it will be for your career, as most companies tend to prefer welders with more hands-on training.

Perks of spending your on-the-job training in a company is that there’s a high probability that you will be recruited in the same company for a permanent welding job once you get your certification.

Become an AWS Certified Welder

To be eligible for welding positions, welders must prepare themselves for the American Welding Society (AWS) certification program to certify their welding skills and equip them with exceptional credibility when applying for jobs. 

You can immediately take an exam for Certified Welder certification once you complete your welding training. For commercial welders, an AWS certification for MIG 3G Welding, which is a basic test for skills among professional welders, is often required.

Once you have these certifications, you can assume the “Certified Welder” title, which serves as a gateway to a lot of job opportunities.

Conclusion

Welding is definitely a rewarding career despite its challenges. Not to mention, it can earn you big bucks, too! It offers a lot of great opportunities to earn through different DIY projects and should bring countless successes with the right training and experience. 

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.