If you’re looking for a job where you can create and fix and make a difference, then you should look into a career in welding. Such a job can pay well and offer you the life that you’ve always dreamed of while you fabricate and fix metal.
Welders play a critical role in the infrastructure of our country. They build and repair anything you see with metal from the chair you’re sitting in to the bridge you drive across every day. We need some good welders in our country.
By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you will understand the steps you need to take to become a welder and then how you can find welding jobs near me.
Becoming a Welder
To become a welder, start with research. Welding is a broad term that refers to all kinds of welding categories. It’s worth shadowing a welder and learning about the welding environment as well.
Welding is a physically demanding job with extreme conditions. Welders often work in hot environments with poor ventilation. Some welding jobs require travel as well, so you’ll be away from your family for big chunks of time.
With that said, welding can also be a gratifying job that takes you to all kinds of places. Understand the field of welding before you dive in head first.
Acquire Training
After you’ve researched the field, it’s time to get some proper training. Many high schools now have welding programs in their career and technical education programs. Thus, if you’re a high school student, you may be able to get some free training and even an apprenticeship through your school.
If you’re done with high school, dig into the local technical or trade school’s programs. Research the possibility of a union apprenticeship. Proper training will teach you more than just how to weld.
A good welding program will teach you how to read a blueprint and how to operate different types of machines. You will also learn how to handle the gases that turn your welding machine on and off. A good program will teach you about torch cutting, PPE, and safety protocols as well so you can weld for a long time without compromising your safety.
Good welding training programs will help you receive proper certification for the different types of welding you’d like to do. They’ll also help you when you’re searching for welding jobs near me. They can help you network with organizations like the American Welding Society.
Are You Ready to Apply?
Seek Certification
Once you’ve acquired proper training, you need to seek certification for the types of welding you’d like to do. First, you need to pass the Shielded Metal Arc Welding tests. Then you’ll tackle the Mig and Flux Core tests.
You can also then seek out your TIG and Pipe Certifications if you show propensity as a welder. In the end, you can earn the title of Certified Pipe Welder. Earning certification will take focus and grit, but once you’ve done that, you’re well on your way to earning a good living as a welder.
Finding Employment
Great welding services and schools will also teach their students about how to write a resume and find job leads. Many times they will also connect their student with job openings and boast of high job placement ratings. They’ll expose students to the world of welding by arranging tours and visits to welding facilities.
But no single school can actually guarantee welding jobs in Massachusetts.
. You, the welder, have to go out and find the job and go through the interview process. If you have your certification and recommendation from past employers and teachers, you will land a great job.
You may even have multiple offers so you can choose the employer with the best package. If you can score an entry-level position, do that. This will open the door for more training on specialized and higher-paying jobs.
You will make more money as time goes on. Do not be discouraged by your first salary, but trust that with time and experience, you will become a valuable asset in the welding industry.
Make Connections
Welding is like any other job. Job success is just as much about who you know as it is about what you know. So while you’re obtaining your training and certification, make connections in the welding world.
Focus on building relationships with your foreman and supervisor. This will help you as you continue to climb the welding ladder of success. You should also join a trade association.
Trade associations like the American Welding Society or the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association will connect you with like-minded people in your trade. You will have new opportunities for growth professionally and personally with national metal conferences.
Types of Welding Jobs Near Me
When you’re looking for a welding job, you may immediately think of manufacturing plants. There are many options for welders in addition to factory work. Here are some of the most common types of welding.
GMAW or MIG
Gas metal arc welding or metal inert gas (MIG) welding is when a welder uses a continuously fed, consumable electrode to create an arc between the base material and the electrode. The arc heats the material until it melts and then fuses to another metal. arc welding is the most basic and common type of welding taught.
GTAW
Gas tungsten arc welding differs from gas metal arc welding in that the welder uses a tungsten electrode. As a result of using a tungsten electrode, the welder then uses a separate filler wire.
SMAW
Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding uses a stick electrode. This electrode burns up as you use it. Flux covers the electrode, producing a gas which then shields the metal pool from any environmental factors that could compromise it.
Plasma Arc Welding
With plasma arch welding, you pass an electric current through a small nozzle that then goes through protective gases. With plasma arc welding, you’re welding in small areas with precision.
Are You Ready to Apply?
Weld With Purpose
As you look for welding jobs near me, remember your purpose as a welder. You will land the job you want if you have a goal and purpose in mind as a welder.
Are you looking for a great job as a welder? If so, contact us. We offer excellent benefits for all our employees and a positive work culture.