What does a welder do and could it be the right job for you?

The work of a welder is both challenging and rewarding. Welding requires a range of skills and these professionals are needed in different industries like construction, engineering and offshore oil and gas. As a result, there’s plenty of opportunities for advancement. Due to the constant need for their skills, the demand for welders is extremely high and it’s a position that will always be valuable in society. The most skilled welders understand the specifications of many types of metal and possess excellent attention to detail, with knowledge of technical engineering. There are many welding jobs available. Read on to find out more about welders and whether this career is the right path for you.

What does a welder do? 

Welding jobs revolve around shaping and joining pieces of alloy, metal and composite materials together to create the necessary shapes. Professionals will use a range of welding techniques and processes, such as MIG and TIG welding, both of which use electricity fed through a welding gun that joins two materials together. The type of work in welding often varies depending on the level of skill and experience. As you move through your career, you’ll have the chance to work on large-scale projects and more intricate work. Welders must be able to understand engineering drawings as they will be using this information to cut materials, and they’ll need to be able to identify damaged parts before fastening them into place. All of this requires good hand-eye coordination and the natural ability to closely measure angles and shapes.

How to become a welder

Is welding the right job for you?

If you want a career with endless opportunities, welding could be the job for you. There are many different metals you can learn to weld and there’s a varied range of projects, some of which have a narrower focus, while others are much broader. So you can expect plenty of variety. With welding, you’ll have the chance to become an expert in a niche field. It’s also ideal for anyone who prefers working in more physically demanding jobs. Most welding roles, along with other craft professions, do not require a bachelor’s degree, so a huge benefit of joining this industry is you can start as a complete beginner and learn on the job. Welders play a crucial role in the industrial sector, so if you want to make an impact, the role of a welder could be for you.

The future of welding

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), welders will grow at a rate of 3 per cent through 2029, which is equal to the average of all professions in the US. Despite the rise of automation and the increasing use of digital technology, the career prospects for welders are still strong. These professionals will always be needed to shape and produce essential products. While more tasks are likely to be automated in the future, production will still be required by human welders. The biggest satisfaction that comes with a welder role is seeing a project through from start to finish. Using technology will make the process easier for welders and they’ll be able to continue to develop their skills.

Take the next step in your career

There’s no question that welding is a stable, fulfilling career path. At TRS Craft, we have extensive experience in recruiting contractors into welding roles within the oil, gas and chemicals, construction, manufacturing and aerospace industries. Our team of consultants are dedicated to helping candidates secure new roles and grow their careers. So, if welding sounds like the role for you, why not contact us today to find out more or browse our welder jobs