What do you need to become a welder?

Do you like creating, designing, and fixing stuff? If you are good with your hands, welding could be the career you are looking for. One of the best things about welding as a profession is that it does not require a degree. You do, however, need to have a very specific set of skills to excel as a welder. Unlike many other professions that do not require a degree, welding pays very well. Additionally, welding is now a safer career than it was in the old days.

Today, there are modern helmets and welding jackets to keep you safe. Welding professionals are metal joiners who work with a variety of tools and machinery. These skilled technical workers shape and join pieces of metal such as aluminum and steel using heat generated by lasers or torches. Welders use their skills to create items that we depend on every day. Maintaining welding equipment and putting finishing touches by polishing and smoothing metal surfaces is also part of a welder's job.
    
How to Become a Welder

Welders are almost always in demand. That's because welding features in most aspects of construction and maintenance. Mining, gas, and oil industries provide plenty of career opportunities for welders. Anyone can take up welding as a profession. All you need is the ability to effectively use your hands and a willingness to work. However, you need a certain set of skills to make welding the foundation of your career. Looking to build a career in welding? Here's what you need to become a welder.

Qualifications/Training

While you don't need to have a college degree to build a career in welding, you need to have some form of basic training. Typically, you need to undergo specialized training at a private welding school, community college, or vocational school to become a welder. Some high schools offer optional welding classes for interested students. You can also join the US armed forces and complete the training program. The armed forces provide on-the-job training in welding.

Another route is to enroll in an internship or apprentice program. The training duration depends on the level of skill needed for a particular work or specialty. The education requirements for a career in welding mostly varies depending on the employer. Some employers look for an undergraduate degree or a certificate from a community college, vocational school, or technical school. Others just need welders to have a high school diploma and pass the employer's welding tests.

Skills

On top of the formal training from your high school, community college, or vocational training welding program, you'll need certain skills to become a welder. You need to take courses in chemistry, physics, mechanical drawing, and metallurgy to understand shop mechanics and blueprint reading. Computer knowledge is of growing importance when it comes to jobs involving the use of lasers and automated welding machines.

Certification

You may be awarded a diploma or an associate degree after completing your formal training. Your employer may also need you to earn one or more certifications. Organizations such as the American Welding Society offer general certifications as well as in specialties such as inspection. While not all welding jobs require certification, some do. In certain areas, one may be required to pass a skills test to become a licensed welder.

A welder is a professional who specializes in fabricating products by joining together metals such as aluminum, brass, and steel. The job of a welder is to fuse metal components to form a final product that meets the client's requirements. A welder needs skill and physical strength to manage the heavy and sometimes hazardous welding equipment. Depending on the level of expertise, a welder can work in industries such as aerospace, construction, and steel manufacturing.