Interested in learning how to become a welder? Welding is a demand professions. Not only does a welder fix older mechanical equipment to ensure that they last longer, but they are also able to fabricate new and useful items for a variety of industries. Welders are the backbone of this country. Without them, people would find themselves replacing things far more frequently. The importance and growing demand for welder positions has led many to consider it as a career. Below are some skills you will learn:
How to Become a Welder?
It is important for apprentice welders to get a solid education and build a foundation of knowledge at a trade school. Many trade schools offer hands-on learning and real-world welding to prepare welders to work in the industry. As a student, welders learn about the different welding disciplines, like metal arc welding, MIG welding, stick welding, TIG welding and plasma welding. A trade school prepares students to become welders, cutters, fabricators, brazers, pipe fitters, industrial welders, and solderers. This education gives them the experience to start an entry-level welding career.
Gaining the right skills and attending a trade school are the easiest way to become a welder. Below are some skills you will learn:
- Firm Understanding of the Tools and Professional Skills Required
- Metal Arc Welding Expertise
- Understanding of Drawings, Symbols, and Metal Characteristics
- Pipe Welding Best Practices
Firm Understanding of the Tools and Professional Skills Required
A master welder can have hundreds of tools to choose from when completing a job, since they have seen almost every possible type of welding job and learned the most effective way to solve problems. The sooner a student is exposed to these types of tools, the sooner they can begin to utilize them. Additionally, there are many professional skills that a welder must possess. Although welding is a trade in itself, they will need to have some background in communication, leadership, project management, conflict resolution and customer service if a welder plans to be working directly for clients. Additionally, some business background may be helpful if they ever wish to go into business for themselves.
Skill #1: Communication
Part of becoming a good welder is having the ability to communicate with colleagues, customers and management. Most projects are completed as a team, where each individual is responsible for part of the whole. Without communication, the project would stall, run over budget and not get completed on time. Communication is vital to not only the successful completion of a project but the health and safety of the welding team.
Skill #2: Leadership
After becoming a welder and getting some experience, the welder will need some leadership skills. Even if they are not a manager by title, the welder may head up a team or just take ownership of their responsibilities. Also, being a good leader is knowing when to follow, because another leader may be better for the task at hand.
Skill #3: Project Management
Every welding job will need project management. As a leader that has skills in communication, the welder will manage the project to make sure procedures are met, standards of quality are adhered to, and the welding crew is safe. A skillful welder can manage their welding project accurately without conflict.
Skill #4: Conflict Resolution
There are always conflicts in any schedule or project. A project must happen in an orderly fashion and all conflicts must be resolved properly. A welder that is skilled at conflict resolution will understand when to avoid, accommodate, compromise, complete or collaborate. Depending on the situation, the welder will choose the appropriate conflict management resolution.
Skill #5: Customer Service
Becoming a welder means everyone is a customer. Anyone with a stake in the project should be handled with good customer service. Whether it is an actual customer or manager, good customer service is about building relationships and creating a positive environment.
Metal Arc Welding Expertise
Metal arc welding is a very specific subset of welding that uses electricity instead of fire to bind two pieces of metal together by melting them. Those who wish to have a career specializing in metal arc welding must pay special attention to the safety protocol of performing this line of work. Through the use of proper safeguards, metal arc welders can have very profitable careers.
Understanding Drawings, Symbols, and Metal Characteristics
To help make entering the work force easier, careful study of drawings, symbols and metal characteristics must be completed, because certain metals have different melting points. These different melting points means that they will react to heat in different ways. By carefully studying these differences paired with the knowledge of what various symbols in the industry mean, welding students are well on their way to getting their certification.
Pipe Welding Best Practices
Whether a new house is being built or a large natural gas pipeline is being constructed, pipe welding will always be an important part of welding. A welder must ensure that pipes properly come together in a way that lets liquids or gasses through without any leaks or potential weak spots that could turn into a leak later on. Additionally, because pipe welding is such a common part of construction, this is a skill that can take welders to many different lines of work.
Did learning about how to become a welder interest you? The Welding Technology Program at MIAT College of Technology provides the hands-on training, practical experience and industry support it takes to pursue a rewarding technical career. Classes are interactive and led by dedicated instructors with years of experience working with welding equipment in a professional setting. You’ll get the one-on-one attention and personal support to pick up new skills quickly and the first-hand technical knowledge to feel confident entering the workforce.
Getting welding training is a great investment in your future and opens doors to a career in a variety of industries! Inquire today to learn more about MIAT’s Welding Technology program.
MIAT College of Technology is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
For important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of the students who attended this program, visit the following disclosure.