Benefits of Being a Welder

Welders have great employment prospects.

Welders apply heat to metal to join it together, producing strong parts that are used to make everything from cars to buildings. A career in welding can involve long hours and dangerous work conditions, but the job also offers its share of rewards.

Variety

Most welding jobs are in manufacturing, but the skill has practical applications in many industries. Welders can work in auto making, engineering, agriculture, construction and shipbuilding, among other fields.

High-Tech Opportunities

Welding is an increasingly high-tech industry. Many welders are being trained in cutting edge methods, such as robots that use lasers and electron beams to bond metals.

Transferability

It is possible for welders to move between industries, since their knowledge is highly transferable.

Advancement

With additional training, welders can advance to more skilled positions as welding technicians, inspectors or engineers.

Prospects

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, skilled welders have a good chance of getting a job, as employment levels are not expected to change in the next 10 years. In fact, employers have reported a shortage of skilled labor for available jobs.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Welding, Soldering and Brazing Workers
• Careers Advice: Welder Job Profile
• American Welding Society: Why Welding