How To Become A Welder Step By Step Guideline?

Do you enjoying using your hands to repair items? Then welding can be a perfect career for you as it involves use of complex tools and flames. You will have to practice, train and do some certifications to be successful in this field. In this article, we will be looking at how to become a welder.

After gaining the right education and experience, you can always continue building your skills to advance further into the career and be in a position of handling bigger welding projects.

What is the role of a welder?

A welder is an expert who uses heat to join different metal parts together or in repairing of goods and products.  There are different types of welding one can pursue since there are different product arrays welders can build.

Some of the common welder responsibilities include:

• Storing and cleaning of welding tools
• Ensuring every project completed is safe for consumers
• Going through blueprints to determine the product dimensions and length
• Adhering to safety regulations in handling flame

How to become a welder?

Here are some of the tips to help you become a welder.

Research on the different types of welding tasks

First, you will have to carry out an in depth research on the available welding options.  This will help you in learning the responsibilities and tasks of particular welding positions align best with your capabilities and strengths.  With the responsibilities of different welding careers being different, one will need to undergo different certifications and trainings.

Register for a Welding Course 

After choosing the type of career you want to pursue, you will now have to register for a relevant course. Most of the welding careers do require a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED. In case your high school is offering some welding courses, you can consider having a look at them to know which the most relevant course is.

Attain a Welding Certificate 

After completing your high school education, you can now further your education by registering for a relevant welding certification program. Most of the certifications in welding courses last for approximately six months to two years. The certification will help build your knowledge and responsibilities. Other welders can further their education to Bachelors degree level.

Strive for Hands on Experience 

After accreditation, it is now time to start hands on training by seeking for an apprenticeship for a particular welding type you are pursuing. With the apprenticeship, you will be in a position of shadowing and completing work learning more about responsibilities and a welders’ schedule.

After completing your apprenticeship program, you can consider staying with the company if they need you or consider taking your experience in a different company.

Get certification 

It is important you seek for certification of a particular welding career before you start working on a full time basis.  There are a number of certifications currently available for a welder; it all depends on their skill set and their career plan.  However, the main welding certification employers need is the AWS basic welder certification.

Start Your Job Search 

After receiving the right education, training and experience, it is now to start looking for a job. You can always look for online job postings to help you get the right job that matches your skill level and experience.  Ensure you highlight all the skills on your resume.

FAQ’s

What do you need to become a welder?

 There are three choices you will need to choice from in order to become a welder. You will need to register for the right welding course, get the right certification and get the welding apprenticeship.

How long does it take to become a welder?

It takes approximately 16 to 18 months of thorough learning and practice to help refine your skills and become a great welder.  However, attending school on either full time or part time basis will affect the time you will take in school.

Prior apprenticeship work or welding experience can help meet some prerequisites in certain courses that can help shorten your study time.

What is the importance of a certified welder?

 Getting welding certification means that you are knowledgeable, reliable and have the right experience that most companies are looking for. It also means that you will be able to adhere to the standards and codes and that you understand the entire process of welding.

How much does it cost to become a welder?

When you are attending a skill trade school or a college with an aim of becoming a professional welder, expect to spend somewhere ranging between $5,000 and $15,000. However, registering for a four year bachelors program will cost you anything from $40,000 to $100,000 depending on the curriculum and the school.

Skills needed to be a welder

Here are some of the most important skills you will need to have as a welder:

• Great hand and eye coordination
• Basic metal and welding terminology
• Keen attention to detail
• Great knowledge of welding safety requirements and procedures
• Perfect dexterity and endurance
• Good time management skills
• Good experience with handling complex welding tools and torches

Is it hard to become a welder?

The process of becoming a professional welder can be quite challenging and difficult. It requires learning and lots of practice to become great welder. In case you aspire to be a professional welder, there is a learning curve which requires time and dedication   in order to produce great welding results.

How do I start a welding career?

It is possible for one to embark on a great welding career even before the start work by going for a profession that they love, setting the goals they want to achieve and outlining the necessary steps that will help them achieve the goals within the right time.

What is the highest paid welding job in USA?

Some of the highest paid welding jobs in the USA including Industrial pipeline welders who make between $ 36,414 and $ 106,348. The second highest paying job is underwater welders who receive between $54,750 and $300,000 while the third highest paying job is the military support welders who receive up to $160,000

Conclusion

Welding is an incredible career.  When you are a professional welder you can have a lucrative career. If you aspire in being a top welder in the near future, ensure you check your local education options and know when and how you will start your journey.

There are training programs that last for years while there are some which you can receive certification within a few weeks.