Table of Contents
Last updated on 20th June, 2019
Welding in simple terms is the fusion of two materials of the similar composition, often metals, using extreme heat. Aside from the high heat that melts the joint points, filler in the form of gas or metal is added to generate a stronger bond. In other cases, pressure is also exerted to generate a weld. That been said, welding is more than just joining of metal piece- it is an art that requires utmost skill with advanced technology use.
Most professions require you to go through a particular training in order to qualify for that job title or post, which is no different as in the case of becoming a professional welder. Nonetheless, there is no specified educational requirement to start training. Anyone can decide to train on becoming a welder regardless of whether you have a PHD, masters, diploma and certificate or in other cases without certification.
But this does not mean you can simply become a welder out of the blues. In order to obtain the title “Professional welder” you need to be committed, invest time, work hard and acquire the skill-set it demands to set you off on your welding career. Practice makes perfect when you want to become a pro in welding, ad like with everything, you first need to do extensive book and field research on welding before you can decide if it is a career worth investing in or not.
The variations in welding
Welding such as pressure welding is highly technical such that they are only applied in specific industrial settings. Nonetheless, the welding process that involves metal binding is commonly applied in several industries.
Metal welding regularly used is categorized into three:-
- Flux-cored
- Metal Inert Gas also referred to as MIG
- Tungsten Inert Gas also known as TIG
Flux-cored
This type of welding utilizes a specially crafted metal that can be employed with or without shielding gas. The self-shielded (without use of gas) are best for outdoor use.
Metal Inert Gas
MIG welding utilizes continuous jet of shielding gas to safeguard the weld from getting contaminated. Gas from the container is probed into the welding gun. The only downside to this kind of welding is that it can be hard to work with outside due to the blowing winds, not to mention having to move around the heavy gas cylinder.
Tungsten Inert Gas
It is utilized in high quality bonding for the perfect finishes. This welding form demands utmost skill. In order to become a professional welder, you need to be able to scrutinize project descriptions as well as blueprints and have the ability to calculate the dimensions of the pieces to be welded.
Moreover, your job is not only to join and polish metals, but also examine the structures or materials that require welding, supervise the entire running to ensure no overheating takes place and preserve welding hardware and machinery. This is what determines any ordinary welder from a pro welder and the only way you can achieve all these is to follow the following tips to set you off on your journey to becoming a professional welder
What Distinguishes a Good Welder from a Professional Welder?
1. Have knowledge of welding
Before you get into it, do your research on what welding is all about. Find out what hardware you’ll require, protective gears and time input. The tools can be very costly so you may need to plan your funding beforehand including tuition fees. To get a better idea of what welding entails, you can interact with already active professional welders to get an idea of what a normal day at work is like and if it is something you may want to pursue for the rest of your life.
2. Go for training
Through training you get equipped with the required skill-set and knowledge you need for your welding career. On the other hand, passion keeps you motivated since welding is very demanding and hands-on work. These two aspects are vital when pursuing welding as a career. Getting the experience you need is what sets you apart as a professional welder from a good welder. For training, you can register for classes at a community college in your locale or certification center offering training in welding.
Aside from acquiring skills, training is also important because some welding jobs require you to have certification or licensing.
3. Determine the specific type of welding that interests you
In most cases you will be trained on the regularly employed welding variations. However, in some cases, you may need to train on a particular discipline for specific jobs that you might be interested in.
4. Find out any welders’ union that exists in your locale
Welders are often represented by unions and in selective jurisdictions you may need to have welders’ union membership for you to become a professional welder.
5. Patience is key
Even with certification and you’ve already gotten employed, remember learning never stops. After finding the welding discipline you are comfortable with, purpose to learn the other welding categories as well and grow your skill-set. The more skilled you are the more opportunities will flow in.
Earnings estimates for a professional welder
Welding is said to rank top amid the most lucrative jobs around. In some areas, welders are paid as much as $100,000 a year. On average, professional welders generate approximately between $38,000 and $60,000 a year, with the least paid earning around $25,000 annually. There is definitely high demand for welders; however, they have to sweat for their earnings.
Welding job opportunities
Mostly welding is utilized in building and construction for example in assemblage of bridges, pipelines, refineries, power plants and several others. Also, you can work in industries that manufacture ships and vehicles.