What is the career path for a welder?

The career path for a welder involves jobs as an apprentice, welder, and welding manager. This career path is straightforward and does not have a variety of avenues to a welding career.

In terms of education, most welders have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. There are several different training and educational options for welding, including;

• Welding classes in high school

Some high schools even offer courses on welding, so if you are still in high school, it would be a great idea to take some of these courses.

Geometry is often used in welding because welding often deals with angles and dimensions. A strong foundation in geometry will go a long way in your welding career.

• Community Colleges

Community colleges offer welding courses that can be a great addition to your resume when trying to start a career in welding.

• Welding certificate programs

Welding certificate programs offer possibly the best and fastest way to break into the field. Welding certificate programs generally last around six months to two years. These are the perfect experience to get basic welding knowledge and skills.

• Bachelor's degree in welding

Those wanting to advance to higher levels of welding positions, like a welding manager, would benefit from obtaining a bachelor's degree in welding.

• Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are excellent and novel opportunities because they give aspiring welders the chance to be mentored by professional welders and get paid in the process.

Welders who complete apprenticeships rarely have difficulty finding well-paid welding work. Many times welders at apprenticeships choose to stay on with the company they did the apprenticeship with, as well.

• Welding certifications

To obtain this certification, you must pass an exam at an AWS Accredited Testing Facility. You do not need any prerequisites to take this specific exam. This test has a written section, as well as an observation section of your physical welding abilities and performance.

There are also many skills associated with welding that help aspiring welders progress along the welding career path, these include;

• Mathematical skills

• Attention to detail

• Steady hands and solid hand-eye coordination

• Physical strength, and endurance.

• The ability to evolve within the profession

• Good communication and teamwork skills