Just like any other profession, becoming a welder takes time, work, and dedication. It also requires a willingness to continuously grow in your knowledge base to master the skills that provide a foundation for this career. Once you have developed a well-rounded skill set, the next phase is to go through a six-step process to become a professional welder.
How to Become a Welder in 6 Steps
#1 Do your research on the various types of welding jobs
Before you decide to become a professional welder, you should know what welding is all about because the job can be very demanding. Welders are professionals trained in using heat to put together different types of metals or repair or build all sorts of goods and products.
There are several types of welding you can specialize in, like arc welding, MIG welding, TIG welding, hyperbaric welding, or oxyacetylene welding. Do the groundwork at finding out which tasks and responsibilities these types of welding jobs require. This way, you can align the welding job with your strengths and weaknesses.
#2 Invest in yourself and take welding courses
Once you’ve figured out which type of welding career you want to go for, the next step is to research the educational requirements for that specialization. Most welding courses require a GED or a high school diploma. If your high school offers welding courses, you might as well take those along with math courses that complement welding, like geometry, since welding involves measuring dimensions.
#3 Go further and earn your welding certificate
After finishing high school and getting that diploma, further your education and enroll in welding certificate programs or community college. Welding certificate programs usually take six months to two years. These courses will help build your general knowledge of welder duties and responsibilities. Some welders would go a step higher and pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Welding.
#4 Get as much hands-on experience you can get
After getting accreditation as a welder, begin hands-on training through an apprenticeship. You can shadow and complete supervised work to learn more about the specific type of welding you want to pursue, as well as the schedule and responsibilities of a welder. In time, when you have completed the apprenticeship, you can either stay with the company you’ve had training in (if allowed) or take the experience and apply to a new welding position.
#5 Get an AWS Certified Welder certification
Although not all welding jobs require certifications, some do. You will also be required to pass a skills test to be licensed as a welder in some areas. It is best to obtain a certificate from the American Welding Society or a similar organization to get things started for you as a pro welder. To attain the AWS certification, you will take an exam. It consists of a written portion and an examination of your welding performance and skill.
#6 Begin job hunting
Now that you have the necessary certifications, training, and experience, start job hunting. Look for welding positions through job postings online that match your level of experience and your current skills. Be sure to add the skillset you have in the type of welding jobs you are most proficient in and have been training for.
If you follow these six steps, you will be steps closer to landing your first job as a pro welder. Remember, though, that learning never stops. Keep upskilling and moving forward. Expand your skill sets, knowledge base, and certifications. In any professional career, there is always something higher to aim for. Keep improving.
