How to Become a Structural Welder

Becoming a structural welder takes hands-on experience.

Structural welders are skilled professionals working with machinery and metal, constructing buildings accurately and safely. These trade professional cut metal pieces to appropriate sizes, position and stabilize structures, as well as ensure that their welds are up to industry standards. Becoming a structural welder takes hands-on experience, adequate education and completing appropriate steps to become certified and recognized as an industry professional.

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certification

Instructions

1. Obtain your high school diploma or its equivalent. Most jobs that allow you to gain the experience required to become a certified welder require a diploma. Find a job that can help you hone your welding skills. Search for sanctioned welding apprenticeships or apply for a structural welding program offered at a local trade school or college.

2. Check your local area for any open structural welding programs. Learn and complete all prerequisites. Structural welding programs, such as the one offered by Alaska's Institute of Technology, require a diploma for admission. Apply at the administrator's office. Ask if certification is included in the cost of tuition or if it is extra.

3. Visit the American Welding Society's official website at aws.org and research what certification you need for structural welding. The AWS is an independent agency that provides national certification for welders.

4. Search the job market after completing your formal education and certification. Welding is a high-demand field, and if you cannot find a job in your local area expand your search. Hands-on experience is a must for becoming a structural welder.

References

• Inside Jobs: Structural Welders

Resources

• Alaska's Institute of Technology: Structural Welding Program
• American Welding Society: Ceritifications