A welder’s primary duty is to join metal parts together. They may also fix holes in metal objects as well. They work on the metal components of various structures to include pipelines, bridges, power plants, buildings, refineries, automobiles, or ships. There is also more to welding than most people may realize. For instance, there are more than 100 different welding processes a welder can use, but the most common is arc welding.
An industrial welder may work full-time and often must work overtime. They can work up to 10 hours a day if needed. They primarily work outdoors and are exposed to hazardous situations on a daily basis. They may work in confined spaces, on scaffolding, or in inclement weather. Welders with the highest skill levels and a willingness to relocate have the greatest advantage for solid employment. Welders can also take their skills and compliment them with another trade, such as commercial diving.
Most welders have a high school diploma or equivalent and then earn a professional certification. Certifications can be gained at vocational schools, community colleges, or private programs. On-the-job training is often included in these training programs. Courses in these training programs teach you how to read blueprints, use shop mathematics, mechanical draw, basic physics, chemistry, and metallurgy classes.
.
