Some possible jobs within this career area are:
If you select a career training program, you’ll receive education as well as certification, or preparation for a certification exam. Depending on the career path you select, you might need a state, county or city license to practice. Cosmetologists, for example, must keep their license active, just like massage therapists or other fields. You also could benefit by occasionally returning to training to stay abreast of new technologies, techniques and skills. This is particularly true for air conditioning technicians, electricians and construction workers.
Skilled trades are always going to be in demand. Some fields are in consistent growth or flux, particularly those areas that are tied toward technology. For example, the increased interest in solar energy means that solar workers are going to be in demand, and existing workers will need training on incorporating solar technology into their daily lives. Many workers in these fields are self-employed or work on contract. Because of this, it’s recommended that you join unions or other professional associations so you can stay up to date on trends, laws and development in the industry.
Skilled tradesmen can get their certification or license in as little as six months, or as long as a year. Many programs last between six months and a year – be sure to ask your chosen school how long the program can take, and whether they offer a job placement or referral service.
How to Become a Welder
If you want to become a welder you may be wondering what the job entails. Welding is the process of fusing metal together with heat to make the pieces permanently bonded. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a welding career can be utilized in many types of businesses such as automobile manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, and aerospace manufacturing facilities as well as refineries, pipelines, and power plants.
Although no formal training is required to begin a welding career most employers favor welders that have completed a certification program that has been approved by The American Welding Society. These certificate programs are offered by trade schools, technical schools, community colleges, and schools that specialize in welding and soldering. Typical courses in the programs focus on electricity, mechanical drawing, blueprint reading, chemistry, and physics as well as hands-on welding instruction. Because of the advancement in robotics in the welding industry it’s a good idea to also take classes in programming computer controlled machines, especially the type that are used for welding, brazing, and soldering.
If you’re wondering what to expect in a welding career, keep in mind that welders use heat to accomplish their job. You will need to wear protective gear while welding, as the BLS states that those working in a welding field have a higher rate of injuries that most other workers. If you’re wondering how to get a welding job once you’ve completed your training it’s a good idea to look for a training school that offers job placement or is affiliated with businesses that will hire you once you have your certificate.
Welding Salaries
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual welding salary in 2008 was $34,750; welding salaries in the specific industries below range much higher:
- Natural Gas Distribution $55,770
- Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills $54,640
- Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution $54,510
- Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas $54,150
(Salary data retrieved 6/27/11)
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