Additional Information
Education is important for welders.
"The skills demanded for today's welders demand training," says Bill Komlos.
He began his career as a welder and is now a welding inspector.
"You're dealing with such exotic alloys," says Komlos. "Even when welding
the mild steels, the most common type of steel, heat input must be controlled,
the electrodes must be correctly manipulated, and the finished weld must be
free of rejectable flaws. You can't pick up that technical understanding just
working on the job.
"We have workers we call 'rod burners,' and then we have welders," Komlos
adds. "Welders are true craftsmen who combine their knowledge of welding electrodes,
power sources and welding metallurgy with the practiced hand-skills needed
to join metals that can meet design requirements. Rod burners just strike
an arc, lay down a weld bead and hope the weld's OK. From the time the joint
is fit together, a welder knows how good the final weld will be. To be a true
welder, you're going to need training no matter what craft you choose to branch
into."
The amount of training and education needed for a career as a welder depends
upon the type of work being done. Some welders need only on-the-job training.
Many other welders -- such as those who weld parts at electric power plants
-- need both a classroom education and time as an apprentice welder. These
apprenticeships involve several years of work and testing and certification
(this process usually takes two to four years).
Basic and advanced welding courses can be found in technical high schools
across North America. Welding courses are also offered at trade schools and
community colleges. The American Welding Society also offers in-house and
long-distance training courses that can lead to certification.
Once you're working as a welder, you'll need to keep learning. If you know
about new processes, you will be a valuable worker.
Try to figure out if you really like welding before you commit to the
field. It's tough work. If possible, you should spend time with welders to
see the typical working environments.
"It is demanding," says Steve Mattson. He's a district director for the
American Welding Society and a repair technician for welding equipment.
"It's hot, it's dangerous," says Mattson. "You've got to wear all the protective
clothing, so you're uncomfortable... It is a hot, dangerous profession."