Careers in Welding

Welding is an interesting and skilled career that offers opportunities for work in a wide range of environments. Skilled welders have the option of working on numerous projects, and have prospects for international travel, as well as offshore work, and the chance of good career advancement.

Most people get started in welding by beginning an apprenticeship where they are taught how to use the most common welding equipment, and also given advice on safety, as well as an education in common welding processes.
At the end of the apprenticeship, the trainee welder should have completed enough hours of welding to gain certifications in at least a couple of processes. They should be able to use profile cutters, MIG and TIG welders, a welding positioner, and other common items of welding equipment.

Often, at the end of this apprenticeship, paid employment is available within the same company. Entry level jobs are typically basic stick-welding jobs. As you gain experience, you may decide to extend your certifications to cover a wider range of welding equipment, and to qualify yourself to work with a wider range of materials, including metals of different thicknesses.

Avoid Training Scammers
The demand for people skilled in operating welding equipment has led to a number of companies trying to capitalize on the demand by offering over-priced training courses, and making exaggerated claims about the chances of finding employment when the training is completed. For example, some companies offer short welding courses that teach little more than stick welding, and suggest that the trainee will be able to walk out of their course and immediately get a high paid, offshore welding job.

While not all of the companies that offer welding training are scammers, the existence of such scams is something to be aware of. Welding, like any other skilled trade, places a strong emphasis on certifications and experience. Trainees should be realistic about their prospects immediately after certification, and be willing to spend time working in entry level jobs before attempting to get work in other areas. The Approved Welder (sometimes known as Coded Welder) certifications are an important part of getting work, and can increase the salary that a welder is able to command, but there’s no replacement for real world certifications.
Working Abroad
The lure of travel is one thing that motivates many people towards getting certified in working with welding equipment. There are many overseas welding jobs, and for someone who wants to see the world, or who just wants to earn a little extra by working away from home, the appeal of overseas work can be massive.
The reality of overseas work isn’t always that great, however. If you have to pay your own accommodation and travel costs, you may find that the extra pay vanishes pretty quickly. Also, once you’re out there you don’t have many options if you don’t like the job. If you decide to try working abroad, do a lot of research before you get on the plane, and get as much as you can about the hours, pay, and responsibilities of the position in writing before you travel.