To be hired as a welder or do a welding job, most employers prefer you to have finished a certified welder or an apprenticeship program and to have passed the required welding tests. But, once a person is certified, what can they do to progress their career in a welding job even further? The answer is simple: expand the aptitudes and skill set with advanced welding training programs and classes.
Continued education and training is the key to advancement in nearly every career option. Advanced welding classes can qualify you to become a welding inspector, technician, or instructor, and they can also qualify you for a promotion. Welding certifications come in numerous varieties. When you obtain educational training as a welder and test to become certified, you are competent to do specific work with various welding processes, positions, metal densities, and several types of metal. Thus, advancing in welding can imply being certified and trained to work with a specific material thickness, metal, or a different welding technique or process. Given below are some positions you may want to achieve to advance your welding career.
Arc welding uses an electrical current from a welding power supply to produce an electric arc that subsequently melts the metal, joining separate pieces together. Depending on your recent position as a welder, arc welding may be a step up for your career. For becoming an arc welder, you must take the required courses at a technical college or be trained on the job. The AWS (American Welding Society) provides certification programs for this welding. There is also an American Welding Society Certified Welder program, which will teach you numerous welding skills. After training, you must attempt AWS-certified welding code tests to qualify as an arc welder.
According to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) average annual pay data, welding inspectors commonly earn more money than certified arc welders and different welding technicians. Welding inspectors are practically welding supervisors. You must have the qualifications to assure that welders are doing their welding work correctly. You will follow strict welding approaches and safety regulations that are established to keep both the customer and the welder safe.
For becoming a welding inspector, you must take the American Welding Society welding instructor program. This certified inspector program is the only program for welding inspectors in the entire country. After applying and qualifying for the certification program, you will have to choose a welding code test subject, fulfill the education prerequisites, and pass all essential certification exams related to your specialty.
If you are attentive to details or possess a skill for mechanics, a career as a pipefitter could be adequate for you. Pipefitters are responsible for installing, designing, and repairing pipe systems, using their background in welding course to safely secure pipes, walls, and other system elements. As a pipefitter, you will spend time building intricate pipe systems in alignment with industry regulations and specifications, measuring pipes to specify where they should be cut, and putting together piping using different welding techniques.
Successful pipe fitters have a ton of welding experience, enabling them to conduct the often complicated welds required for pipe fitting projects. In addition, these professionals have a strong understanding of industry codes and standards, ensuring that they formulate pipe systems that are able to safely transport dangerous chemicals. If this career path appeals to you, consider specializing in pipe fitting after finishing your welding training.
Welding instructors have progressed credentials as well for a career in welding. They must acquaint prospective welders with performing certain welding tasks, techniques, and positions. You must comprehend welding safety guidelines, welding positions, shields, drill presses, cutting torches, different metals, etc.
To become a welding instructor, you must generally earn a postsecondary degree in welding technology and have on-the-job work experience. Welding instructors should also earn the Certified Welding Educator certification from the American Welding Society, which mandates passing the certification exam.
If you want to progress your career, but first need to start your welding training, then find a welding school. You can be career-ready in just ten months. Once you learn the basics, you should be prepared to get a job, then continually move up in position.
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