How To Start A Career In Welding

Welding is often considered to be an art rather than a craft. Welding is the skill of melting and fusing particular types of metal together. It is a modern profession that many people find appealing. The dynamics and processes of welding are changing constantly, and it is practiced with an intricate knowledge of the principles of science. As we have already mentioned, welding as a career holds many opportunities. As a welder, you need to be mentally and physically fit and you need to have unparalleled coordination. In welding, you may need to stay focused on your task for long periods of time and you may need to repeat a single task time and again. For this reason you need to be an incredibly patient person.

Many welders work as freelancers, and therefore, in such a case, self-motivation is necessary. Although there is high demand for welders in the industry, there may be times that you will need to go out and search for jobs (as with any other career).

Before you start planning a career in welding, you need to understand the different industries and various tasks you might be working in. Initially you would learn basic welding techniques and as you progress, you may develop a specialization in a particular stream of welding. Here are different types of welding you may specialize in:

• Stick welding: Shielded metal arc welding, known also as stick welding, is the most popular and simplest type of welding. This welding is used largely in home jobs and construction projects. This is considered to be one of the cheapest types of welding. This type of welding is done using a stick electrode welding rode.

• TIG welding: Also known as Tungsten Inert Gas Welding, TIG welding is a slow form of welding that is done with the intention of cleaning metal. This technique can give high quality welding results by joining almost any metals together. It requires high skill and patience, and there are numerous job opportunities in this form of welding. It is used in a number of industries, specifically in airplane and bicycle manufacturing. It is often used for welding metals: like steel, aluminum, copper alloys, titanium, cobalt and nickel alloys.

• MIG welding: Metal Inert Gas Welding or MIG welding is a form of welding commonly used for welding: stainless steel, aluminum and steel. It is perhaps the easiest type of welding to master. It involves two different procedures of welding. The first one uses base wire and is often used to join thin metal pieces together. The second type is flux core, which can be done outdoors and does not require any gas supply or flow meter. It frequently finds application in shipyards, automobile factories and many other manufacturing units. DIY enthusiasts often use this technique, as the equipment comes cheap and it is an easy form to learn.

You can look for training programs in your city. If you are not experienced, then finding a training course will be the best way to start a welding career. Numerous: trade schools, adult vocational programs and community colleges offer courses in welding. A good training course in welding will most likely also bring you a job placement. Since there is dearth of welders in the industry, many unions and companies offer scholarships to encourage interest among the people searching for careers.

Once you have completed your training course, you need some hands-on experience before you start handling other people’s projects. Learning welding from books is not enough. You can gain some experience by enrolling yourself in: a beginners’ level class, going for an apprenticeship program or by joining a welding school. By actually welding metals with your hands, you will also develop safety skills needed to do the job safely. With proper guidance and practice, you will learn how to: stick metals together and how to control your wire, rod feed and arc.

Many companies give internship programs where you can work while at the same time learn welding skills. You will be given entry level projects , but over time you will hone your skills and become an expert. With the number of hours you complete in this job, you will raise your level of expertise. Once you complete your internship, you can either continue your job as a full-time welder, or even look around for better prospects. You can also look for a welding program which, in addition, offers job placements.

There are numerous employment opportunities in the field of welding. You may become any of the following:

• Welder: As a welder, you would be welding metals. You would find consistent work in different types of manufacturing jobs, including; making of ships, planes, heavy machines, cars, equipment etc.

• Welding engineer: This job requires more responsibility in the field of welding. As a welding engineer, you would be managing welding projects, planning the welding methods and watching over junior welders. You need some experience in CAD drafting in order to become a welding engineer.

• Welding instructor: As a welding instructor, you would be instructing others in the field of welding. Since welding is a growing career option, there is an increased need for welding instructors in the industry. If you like teaching people and developing the skills of others, then being a welding instructor can be a rewarding job for you. However you will need several years of experience in welding before you can become an expert welding instructor.

• Welding inspector: As a certified welding inspector, you would be evaluating welding jobs and ensuring that meet the recommended quality standards. You will need to inspect each welding job responsibly and get it re-done or fixed if it does not meet the standards. If you approve an under-quality welding job, you would be the first person who would be questioned. Before becoming a certified welding inspector, you will need to work under a senior inspector.

Before you embark on a career in welding, you need to understand what dangers are involved in welding. While working on a high-rise construction, you may need to do your job on a thin beam, high in the air. Sometimes. At times you may need to do a job while being cramped in a tiny cabin. There are deep under-water welding projects that you may be asked to perform. There are several safety measures that you will need to take while welding metals. So, before you actually start a career in welding, you need to understand that there are uncomfortable situations and risks involved in welding.

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