Welding is a craft that dates to the early 1800s. The boom of hardware and technology evolved the traditional blacksmithing profession into welding, which became the new standard thanks to the Industrial Revolution. Such a job might seem outdated in our modern world, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Welding will continue to be in demand and filled with dynamic and exciting career opportunities. You can take a welding certificate program right out of high school or transition into the field from your current job. Completing a welding training program at a trade school will give you the skills and education you need to begin working in the industry.
Will Welding Jobs Ever Become Obsolete?
When prospective students hesitate about becoming welding operators, they often voice a fear over the rise of automation technology. While it is true that some jobs that could only be performed by a human are now overtaken by automation and robots, welding will not become obsolete by any means. Welding is a complex craft that has unique challenges that technology can’t solve on its own. Professional welders will still be needed to perform tasks that robots cannot.
Why Companies Will Still Need Welders in the Future
There are potential savings by using robots, but companies can only get so much out of replacing their staff with machines. First, robots can’t ever completely replace human intuition and true skill. There are many welding jobs needed in places that robots can’t easily access. 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. However, most can still only master one job. Humans, on the other hand, can learn to perform different types of welding, such as:
- Arc welding.
- Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG-GMAW).
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG-GTAW).
- Stick welding.
- Flux-cored welding.
Welding is a profession with a wide range of applications and talents. Most automation robots are built to do highly repetitive tasks. This means people with jobs like factory work are more likely to lose their positions than a welder. Someone with the skill, knowledge and experience to weld in different fields and create different products is a valuable asset that companies will not get rid of in the near future.
What Industries Still Need Qualified Welders Today?
Many people think welding is limited to warehouses or work yards, but there are many different fields that hire welders. Graduates from our welding program go on to pursue careers in service, manufacturing, construction, commissioning and sales.* The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 65 percent of welders worked in manufacturing in 2022, followed specialty contractors, self-employed workers and repair and maintenance welders.
How to Become a Welder
Interested in becoming a welder and preparing for a new career? You can start your path toward a job in welding as soon as you graduate high school or anytime throughout your career. In our welding program, you gain the hands-on training and education you need to pursue welding jobs in Michigan. Instructors with years of work experience lead the program designed to teach you the greatest techniques and technical knowledge that will help you thrive in the workforce. These instructors offer one-on-one attention and are available to coach you through the welding process. You will also learn alongside classmates that may become colleagues one day.
Our welding certificate programs allow students with no prior welding experience to become qualified professionals in as little as 9 months. Classrooms simulate real work environments using the same equipment that you will encounter in your professional life. One-on-one support and guidance can walk you through 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 welding jobs are not going to become obsolete in the next few decades, it is time to learn more about MIAT College of Technology. You can work in an environment that keeps you using your mind, while following your passion to become qualified for work in less than 9 months, attending full-time. A job in welding is active, engaging and fun, so learn more about becoming a welder today.
Want to learn more about the welding programs at MIAT? The Welding Certificate Program from MIAT College of Technology provides the hands-on training, practical experience and industry support it takes to pursue a rewarding technical career in Michigan.
Getting welding training is a great investment in your future and opens doors to a career in a variety of Michigan industries. As a successful graduate of MIAT College of Technology’s welding certificate training program, you will be fully prepared for an entry-level role in many different settings including manufacturing, construction, commissioning, services and sales.