2 answers
Lucas
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
2
Questions
Asked
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What preparations should I make before going into the career of welding?
I want to make a strong living for myself and hopefully for a family going into my future. I want to be able to live on my right after high school. I am wondering how I should prepare myself to live up to these expectations while trying to go into this field of work.
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2 answers
Kevin Barnett, MSEM, MBA, MSIS
Engineering Manager
8
Answers
Chesapeake, Virginia
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
To prepare for a career in welding, consider these steps:
Training and Education:
Enroll in a welding program: Vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes offer certifications and associate degrees.
Apprenticeships: Combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, often sponsored by unions or employers.
Skill Development:
Master basic welding processes: Learn SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW (flux-cored), and GTAW (TIG) welding.
Practice different welding positions: Get comfortable with flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead welding.
Develop blueprint reading skills: Understand welding symbols, specifications, and joint designs.
Learn about welding safety: Prioritize personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices.
Other Important Factors:
Physical fitness: Welding can be physically demanding, requiring strength and stamina.
Attention to detail: Precision and accuracy are crucial for quality welds.
Problem-solving skills: Welders often need to troubleshoot issues and find solutions.
Resources:
American Welding Society (AWS): https://www.aws.org/
National Center for Welding Education and Training: https://www.nccer.org/
Training and Education:
Enroll in a welding program: Vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes offer certifications and associate degrees.
Apprenticeships: Combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, often sponsored by unions or employers.
Skill Development:
Master basic welding processes: Learn SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW (flux-cored), and GTAW (TIG) welding.
Practice different welding positions: Get comfortable with flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead welding.
Develop blueprint reading skills: Understand welding symbols, specifications, and joint designs.
Learn about welding safety: Prioritize personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices.
Other Important Factors:
Physical fitness: Welding can be physically demanding, requiring strength and stamina.
Attention to detail: Precision and accuracy are crucial for quality welds.
Problem-solving skills: Welders often need to troubleshoot issues and find solutions.
Resources:
American Welding Society (AWS): https://www.aws.org/
National Center for Welding Education and Training: https://www.nccer.org/
Sheldon Boston
Transport Engineer
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sheldon’s Answer
A career in welding requires preparation in several areas. Focus on these key elements:
Training and Education: Research welding schools or technical programs to gain essential skills in various welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW). Consider certifications like those from the American Welding Society (AWS) to enhance your employability.
Safety First: Familiarize yourself with welding safety protocols, including personal protective equipment (PPE) like welding helmets, gloves, and fire-resistant clothing. Understanding potential hazards and safe practices is crucial.
Physical and Mental Aptitude: Welding demands physical stamina for working in demanding positions and environments. Develop your hand-eye coordination and focus, as precision is key in welding.
Career Exploration: Network with experienced welders or explore online resources to understand different welding career paths and industry demands. This will help you specialize and target your training effectively.
Training and Education: Research welding schools or technical programs to gain essential skills in various welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW). Consider certifications like those from the American Welding Society (AWS) to enhance your employability.
Safety First: Familiarize yourself with welding safety protocols, including personal protective equipment (PPE) like welding helmets, gloves, and fire-resistant clothing. Understanding potential hazards and safe practices is crucial.
Physical and Mental Aptitude: Welding demands physical stamina for working in demanding positions and environments. Develop your hand-eye coordination and focus, as precision is key in welding.
Career Exploration: Network with experienced welders or explore online resources to understand different welding career paths and industry demands. This will help you specialize and target your training effectively.