What does a Welder do?

It can be hard for someone to become a welder as it is a hands-on skill. Welders need a GED or high school diploma and (depending on their location) welding certification. An alternative is to complete a certificate program that can take 6 to 18 months. Others participate in apprenticeship programs to learn while getting paid.

Being a welder is physically demanding. They can work in confined spaces, outdoors exposed to harsh weather or working in remote areas for extended periods. They have to maintain close attention to detail while standing or performing repetitive tasks and lifting. They are usually near high heat sources and large pieces of metal.

Welding can be a stressful job as it is important to be precise accurate under demanding deadlines. They also tend to work in extreme environments which can cause stress.

Welders may or may not get weekends off depending on where or what type of industry they work for. Welders can expect to take different shifts, including nights and weekends, as they commonly work in fields with continuous production.

Welders work for 38-40 hours a week on average with possibilities of shift work and overtime.

Some advantages of being a welder include:

• Job security due to high demand.
• Different paths are available such as getting certified or completing an apprenticeship.
• Opportunity to earn a good income.

Exposure to welding fumes, gasses, and vapor is common among welders, which may result in a higher risk of bronchitis, airway irritation, lung function changes, pulmonary infections (pneumonia), and lung cancer. There are recommended respirators for welding and certain other work environments. Welders should select a respirator approved for welding.

Welders wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during welding, which is usually comprised of goggles or safety glasses, face shields, helmets, hand shields and heat resistant clothing.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, two percent of welders in the United States are women.

Welders use equipment that generates heat either hand-held or controlled using a computer to assemble, cut, polish, and smooth out metal parts and surfaces.

Yes, welders working full-time for companies usually get benefits like health insurance and paid vacation. Many companies also provide life insurance and pension plans. Self-employed welders are responsible for their own benefits.

A shortage of 400,000 welders is expected by 2024, according to the American Welding Society (AWS).