To be hired as a welder or do a welding job, most employers prefer that you have finished a certified welder or an apprenticeship program and have passed the required welding tests. But, once a person is certified, how can they 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 also allow you a promotion. Welding certifications come in numerous varieties. When you obtain educational training as a welder and test to become certified, you can 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. 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 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. To become an arc welder, you must take the required courses at a technical college or be trained. 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 routinely earn more money than certified arc welders and different welding technicians. Welding inspectors are practically welding supervisors. You must have the qualifications to ensure welders do their welding work correctly. You will follow strict welding approaches and safety regulations established to keep the customer and the welder safe.
To become 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 country. After applying and qualifying for the certification program, you must 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 courses to secure pipes, walls, and other system elements safely. As a pipefitter, you will build intricate pipe systems in alignment with industry regulations and specifications, measure pipes to specify where they should be cut, and assemble 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 can 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 specific 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 earn a postsecondary degree in welding technology and have on-the-job work experience. Welding instructors should also take 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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