Considering A Welding Career

By Jess Saint Vess

The American Welding Society predicts that by 2010, the demand for skilled welders in the United States alone will be 200,000. Experts are already predicting a large shortage of manufacturing workers everywhere. Many companies have already reported they are having difficulty finding welders.

In this tough economic time, job security and demand are becoming a priority for those seeking career opportunities. In fact, many schools are now offering scholarships, bonuses, tuition reimbursement offers, and salaries on par with those of newly graduated engineers. It also appears that newly certified welders will enjoy guaranteed job placement.

Skilled welders are in extreme demand and they can thus demand a highly competitive salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median hourly earnings of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers were $16.72 in May 2008. The middle 50% earned between $14.90 and $21.05. The range of earnings of welders reflects the wide range of skill levels. In addition, many welders are asked to join a union, which brings benefits and security to the workers.

It takes specialized training to learn and practice the skills needed for the various welding processess. Training for welding, soldering and brazing workers can last from a few weeks of school or on the job training for low-skilled positions to several years of combined school and on the job training. Formal training is available in high schools, vocational schools and post secondary institutions, such as vocational-technical institutes and community colleges.

Most welders become certified, a process that usually begins with enrolling in an institution, such as an independent testing lab, equipment manufacturer, or technical school. Certification is your road map to more demanding and better paying jobs. The more certificates you earn the better. A good collection of certificates, along with documented experience, lead to supervisory roles in a company with more responsibility and higher salaries.

If you are considering selecting a career for life, now is the right time to grab the opportunity to become part of the large welding family. For more information on a career in welding, contact your local welding college.

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