Interested in becoming a welder but want to learn techniques that are in demand? The good news is that MIAT College of Technology teaches most of the common welding techniques needed to become an entry-level welder.1,2 In addition to classroom lecture, students enrolled in the program will get plenty of hands-on experience to prepare for a welding career. Plus, instructors take the time to teach in-demand welding techniques and skills. So, what does a welder do?
What Does a Welder Do?
Welders use welding, cutting and soldering equipment to join and cut metal parts. They also fill holes, indentations, or seams in metal parts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders typically:
- Read and interpret blueprints, sketches and specifications
- Calculate and measure the dimensions of parts
- Inspect structures or materials
- Weld materials according to blueprint specifications
- Monitor the welding process and adjust heat
- Maintain welding equipment and machinery
Are Welders in Demand?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nationally that there will be 47,600 openings for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers each year over the decade.42 Most of these openings are a result of workers exiting the labor forces, such as to retire. Infrastructure bills passed by the U.S. government will help fuel the demand for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers through 2031.
Will Robots Replace Welders?
Although some jobs may be replaced by technology, there are many welding jobs needed in places that are hard to access. And according to Mining Safety, despite the savings a company may gain, the cost to purchase and maintain a robot is still extremely high. Automation bots are also designed to perform limited tasks. Most can still only master one job. Humans, on the other hand, can learn to perform multiple types of welding and choose the right weld based on the materials and environment.
What Type of Welding Is in Demand?
The most common type of welding is arc welding, which is broken down into SMAW welding, MIG-GMAW welding or TIG-GTAW welding, depending on the materials that are being welded.
Arc welding uses electrical currents to create heat and bond metals together. The type of weld is determined by the types of metals joined and the conditions under which the welding is to take place.
- SMAW (shield metal arc welding): Electrode and electric currents are used to join metals. Commonly used to weld iron and steel.
- MIG-GMAW (gas metal arc welding): Process where a continuous solid wire electrode is fed through a welding gun into the weld pool, joining the two base materials together.
- TIG-GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding): Long welding rods are slowly fed into a weld pool. Commonly used for thin gauge materials.
- FCAW (flux-cored arc welding): Process using a continuous wire fed electrode, a constant-voltage welding power supply and welding equipment (similar to MAG welding).
MIG (metal inert gas) / MAG (metal active gas) welding uses heat generated by a DC electric arc to fuse metal together. MIG welding is used to join non-ferrous metals, while MAG welding is used to join ferrous metals.
How to Become a Welder
Interested in becoming a welder and preparing for a new career? In our Welding program, you can gain the hands-on training and education you need to pursue welding jobs in Michigan. Instructors with years of experience mentor you through the certificate program designed to teach you the techniques and technical knowledge that will help you become a welder.
Our welding certificate program allows students with limited welding experience to apply for jobs as little as 9 months. Classrooms simulate real-world environments using the same equipment that professional welders use. Our instructors offer personalized support and guidance can help you to learn the major skills of a welder, which include:
- Various tools and equipment
- Metal arc welding
- Welding drawing, symbols and metal characteristics
- Pipe welding
- Soldering
- Fitting & fabrication
Final Thoughts
Now that you know about the welding techniques that are in demand, it’s time to learn more about MIAT College of Technology. Trained welders are in demand, and we can prepare you for this great opportunity. Take your first step toward an exciting career, and we will be with you every step of the way.
Want to learn more about the Welding programs at MIAT? The Welding Specialist certificate program at MIAT College of Technology’s Canton campus provides the hands-on training and practical experience needed to pursue an entry-level technical career in Michigan.
Welding Specialist Certificate Program
Getting welding training is an investment in your future and could open doors to a career in a variety of Michigan industries. Successful graduates of MIAT College of Technology’s Welding Specialist certificate program are prepared to pursue entry-level careers in many different settings including manufacturing, construction, commissioning, services and sales.
To learn more about the Welding programs and to explore if MIAT is right for you, fill out the form on this page. Contact us if you are interested in becoming a welding specialist today.
1MIAT is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.miat.edu/disclosures.
42For Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an annual average of 47,600 job openings between 2021 and 2031. Job openings include openings due to net employment changes and net replacements. See Table 1.10 Occupational separations and openings, projected 2021-31, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, viewed October 13, 2022.