Module 3:

The Welders Career

What does a Welder do?

A welder fabricates and puts together metal parts. They do this through the use of various
machines that create intense heat. They also smooth and polish the metal surfaces once welded
together. Welders must have the ability to study blueprints or project specifications in addition
to calculating the dimensions of the parts to be welded. Welders also inspect materials or
structures that need welding, monitor the process of welding as a caution for overheating, and
maintain welding machinery and equipment they work with.

Job Description of a Welder

A welder’s primary duty is to join metal parts together. They may also fix holes in metal objects
as well. They work on the metal components of various structures to include pipelines, bridges,
power plants, buildings, refineries, automobiles, or ships. There is also more to welding than most
people may realize. For instance, there are more than 100 different welding processes a welder
can use, but the most common is arc welding.

Welders work full-time and often must work overtime. They can work up to 10 hours a day if
needed. They primarily work outdoors and are exposed to hazardous situations on a daily basis.
They may work in confined spaces, on scaffolding, or in inclement weather. Welders with the
highest skill levels and a willingness to relocate have the greatest advantage for solid
employment. Welders can also take their skills and compliment them with another trade, such
as commercial diving.

Welder’s Career

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join
or cut metal parts, or to smooth surfaces. These workers study sketches and specifications to
understand the full picture of the structure and materials before they start their work. Welders
and cutters’ tools use high heat to soften the material.

Welders use these tools to join metal in a wide variety of industries, from car racing and
manufacturing to steel beam construction. Cutters cut and trim metal objects, or dismantle large
objects such as ships and railroad cars. Work may be outdoors on a scaffold or high platform, or
indoors in confined areas. Bending, stooping, and heavy lifting are common. Soldering and
brazing workers use molten metal to join two pieces of metal. Soldering involves precision tasks
such as forming joins in electronic circuit boards, while brazing uses metals at higher
temperatures to, for example, apply coatings to parts for protection against wear and corrosion.
Other workers in this field manage machines or robots that perform welding, brazing, soldering,
or heat treating tasks. These workers may also operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines.

Hazards include very hot materials and the intense light created by the arc. While employers are
required to provide safely ventilated areas, these workers typically wear safety equipment to
prevent injuries. Most positions are full-time; evenings, weekends, and overtime hours are
common. High school education, along with technical and on-the-job training, is typically
required to enter these fields. A certification or other skill credential is attractive to employers.