Sunday, December 15, 2013

The Challenging Career of a Welder

Have you ever thought about the person who puts various metal structures together while building houses and who can attach any metal shape to another one creating a real masterpiece? There is such a specialist in the world who is able to do all this and even more. Have you guessed the job? You are right - it is a welder.

Welding is a hands-on art form that many industries rely on to get the job done right. It takes a true professional who has completed a certified welding program to master the art of welding and apply their skills and knowledge to bring excellent metal work to life.

If you are interested in becoming a welder by trade, you should select a comprehensive training program that goes beyond just learning to work with metal. For example, here is a partial list of courses you can expect to complete as you strive to become a certified welder:
-    Orientation and Safety
-    Blueprint Fundamentals
-    Metallurgy and Fundamentals of TIG, MIG and Inner-Shield
-    Pipe Layout and Fit-Up
-    Code Welding and Course Review
-    Employment Preparation
-    Internship Program

If you really want to expand your knowledge base and skill set you could also complete HVAC Technician training and combine the two trades to make yourself that much more marketable in the labor force.

The welding profession requires many challenging tasks including the welding of components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions; lay out, position, align, and secure parts and assemblies prior to assembly, using straightedges, combination squares, calipers, and rulers; examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications; recognize, set up, and operate hand and power tools common to the welding trade, such as shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.

These are demanding tasks that are not cut out for everyone. For example, someone interested in computer technology may decide to complete an Information Technology degree program and apply the knowledge they learn in the technology field rather than the hands-on metalwork skill of a certified welder.