Welders help manufacturers build everything from bridges to airplanes.
Entry-Level Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
What Welders Do
Welders bond metal parts by using hand-held welding equipment to fuse metal together. Welding is used everywhere – from underwater welding to welding in outer space.
Who Should Become a Welder?
This is a career for people with exceptional skills in product solving and attention to detail. You need good eyesight as you must spot flaws in metal, as well as excellent physical and mental endurance.
What is the Job Like?
Welding is more than fusing metal parts – it requires knowledge of fundamental math and science. Welders are often responsible for estimating costs, choosing metal materials and making calculations. Though welders spend a lot of time working solo, they often have to work with clients, other tradespeople and welders.
How Do I Become a Welder?
Depending on the type of welding, training — which usually involves a combination of technical schooling and on-the-job training — can take as short as a few weeks or as long as several years.
