How to Become a Coded Welder

The work of a coded welder, an employee who works in the field or in a metal machine shop, must meet company and national application standards, practice codes and set quality levels. To complete a job, welders use Mig, metal core and stick electrode processes to join metal objects. Employees filling the position may be asked to operate cutting equipment, fit and weld pipes, interpret film and read blueprints.

Instructions

Get Trained

1. Search for colleges and universities that offer welding courses.

2. Visit online technical school databases such as Technical School Directory and College Bound (see Resources).

3. Search the directories for post-secondary welding schools.

4. Contact the school's admissions office and ask whether the school offers certification, associate's or bachelor's degrees in welding.

Obtain Your Certification

1. Check the American Welder Society (see Resources) for a list of available certificate programs. Read accompanying standards including the QC7.

2. Note whether you are applying for a national or international welder certification.

3. Pay applicable test and course module fees.

4. Take welder tests such as BS 4872, ASME IX or BS EN 287/288.

5. Ensure that a licensed external inspector conducts the hands-on portion of the test.

6. Successfully pass the designated tests and receive your Welder Approval Card.

Intern

1. Check the American Welder's Society website. Go to the "Internships" section under "Education."

2. Search for available internships.

3. Contact companies not listed with the society as well.

4. Send your resume with a strong 1-page cover letter to human resources recruiters at prospective firms you are interested in working with.

5. Clearly state your interest to intern with the firm in order to gain experience as a welder.

6. Ask the site manager you land an internship with what you need to do to become a full-time employee 1 to 2 months before the end of your internship.

Search Classified Ads and Job Boards

1. Set aside time each day to look for welder job vacancies listed in your local newspaper's classified ad section.

2. Create a profile at various online job boards such as Simply Hired, Career Builder, Monster and Hound.

3. Upload your resume.

4. Search the job boards daily until you land the job that you want.

Join Professional Associations

1. Start a membership with manufacturing associations, such as the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association and American Welding Society.

2. Attend conferences, seminars and other networking events.

3. Distribute your business card or other contact information at the events.

4. Let attendees know that you are looking for work and the specific type of welding job you seek.

5. Build relationships and follow up with key contacts.

Resources

• College Bound
• Tech School Directory
• Fabricators and Manufacturers Association
• American Welding Society