How to Become a Welder

Are you wondering how to become a welder?

If you have an interest in making sparks fly and helping build epic structures, this career might be for you. Welders fuse materials and objects by applying heat or pressure. Using flames, electricity or other welding techniques, these skilled professionals join different pieces of metal by melting the materials together and allowing them to cool, creating a strong bond.

But how can you get started on the path to becoming a welder? Check out these steps for insight into the journey.

Research Careers in Welding

The first step to finding your dream job is to do research. You might be interested in working in welding, but it’s important to learn more about this career and make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Some things to take into consideration include average wages and benefits, job demand, required skills, education requirements and work environment.

Here are some ways to research careers in welding:

• Find online career resource pages that provide summaries and descriptions of different aspects of welding work.
• Look for videos, articles, and online posts that feature real welders sharing their experience or provide an inside look at the profession.
• Take online personality quizzes to help match you with the right career.

Sign up for a Training Program

If you’re ready and excited to start the next part of your journey, it’s time to get some training!

While working in welding does not require a bachelor’s degree from a university, there is still a lot of education involved to ensure craft professionals can do work correctly and safely. Luckily, there are a lot of different ways to get training, including:

• Career and Technical Education (CTE): If you’re still in high school, there may be construction programs available to you within your school! The courses start by teaching introductory skills, including basic safety and how to use different types of tools. Ask your guidance counselor about the CTE options offered at your school and how to get involved.
• Industry Training Programs and Apprenticeships: There are many types of industry-based training programs, such as apprenticeships. These are often hosted by construction companies themselves or in partnership with an association. In these programs, trainees and apprentices split time between the classroom and the field, learning new skills and then actually using them on a project.
• Community College: If you want a taste of the college experience without paying the full price, pursuing an associate degree at a community college is a great option. Community colleges often offer many programs in construction-related fields that can prepare you for a successful career.

Look for welding training options near you and get signed up!

Learn Skills and Earn Credentials

As you go through your training, you will have the opportunity to earn different credentials and certifications.

These credentials are a representation of the skills and knowledge you have acquired. Much like a four-year degree, employers can look at your credentials and how you earned them and understand what you know.

Having the right credentials can make you a more attractive employee and can even help you make more money.

Become a Pro

After completing your training and having a few years of experience in the industry, you will become a journeyman welder!

Becoming a full professional isn’t the end of the line, though. It’s important to keep working hard and learning new things for your career. As you prove yourself, you may have the chance to advance to higher positions on your team, or even open your own welding company.

Looking for more help on how to plan your future in welding? Click here for our guide to career planning.