How to Become a Welder Helper

A welder helper provides basic assistance to the skilled welder.

Skilled welding jobs will remain a constant need for many manufacturing organizations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Skilled welders often require the assistance of welder helpers in time-sensitive jobs where production needs to meet specific quotas. Welder helpers provide personal assistance to skilled welders by performing lesser skilled duties including preparing tools, gathering materials, cleaning equipment, operating machinery or recording product data.

Instructions

1. Take welding and metal fabrication classes in high school. A welder helper does not require a college welding degree, but needs to understand the basics of welding. Take high school math and science courses. Welder helper positions require knowledge of basic math computations, decision making skills and basics of geometry.

2. Sign up for a welding basics class at a community college. Associate's degrees in welding offer introductory classes that teach basics such as welding career information, types of welding, the mechanics of welding tools and common materials used. Ask professors about local jobs requiring welder helpers in the area. Most community colleges work closely with manufacturing organizations in the surrounding communities.

3. Find a local self-employed welder in the area. Ask about apprenticeship or observation opportunities. Don't expect to make good wages or any wages at all in the beginning. Ask questions frequently about tools used, materials used and welding types.

4. Use apprenticeship, observation or classes to fully understand safe welding. Learn all safety precautions and hazards of welding. As a welder helper, it is imperative to know the overall environment of a skilled welder including work area, material conditions, tool functions, tool or machinery cleaning and personal protective equipment requirements.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider working in general manufacturing jobs that utilize welding positions. Many organizations offer positions in-house before promoting jobs to the general public.

• Healthy vision is required for both skilled welding and welder helpers. Have an eye exam every two years and wear corrective lenses if needed.

References

• Go Welding: Welding and Information About Different Types of Welding
• Careers in Welding: Ok, So You're Thinking, "I Could See Getting Into Welding"
• My Majors: Welder Helper Career Information
• Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition; Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers

Resources

• American Welding Society
• Department of Labor Workforce Development; Alaska's Institute of Technology; Structural Welding