What does a Welder do?
Welders are primarily responsible for joining pieces of metal together with tools that produce high levels of heat and turn metal materials into a liquid to create joints that cannot be broken. There are three types of Welders: Apprentices, Intermediate Welders, and Journeymen. An Apprentice is someone who has finished school and has been in the welding field for less than five years. An Intermediate Welder is someone who has worked in the position for more than five years, but does not have as much experience as a Journeyman. A Journeyman Welder has years of experience and is highly skilled in all aspects of welding.
Welder skills and qualifications
The skills and qualifications required to become a Welder include analytical skills and technical knowledge to operate flame-cutting, brazing, and soldering equipment. Some welding jobs call for the ability to lift heavy objects and have good dexterity, as Welders will often be on project sites and would need to assist a Site Manager. Other essential skills and qualifications needed to become a Welder are:
- Exceptional attention to detail with a strong focus on safety
- The ability to read and understand technical documents, safety rules, blueprints, manuals, and documents referring to metallurgy
- A deep knowledge of welding techniques
- Excellent flexibility to work under pressure
- Time management skills
Welder experience requirements
Some of the experience required to become a Welder can be a combination of work experience (starting from three years) and an apprenticeship. Candidates who complete compulsory training will often start off with entry level roles.
Welder education and training requirements
To become a Welder, candidates must first complete a specialized program at a trade school or college. There are no university degrees that are specific to the field of welding. However, if a candidate does have a university degree, this must be coupled with formal coursework or training through the Canadian Welders Bureau, with several years of experience, since they need to learn how to manipulate large pieces of metal for a variety of construction projects.
Welder salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Welder is $24.27 per hour. This hourly rate may depend on a candidate’s education, experience, location, and industry. Welders who work in specialty fields (e.g. welding underwater, commissioned works) or who have Red Seal certification are typically paid more due to the amount of skill, training, and experience required to perform the work.
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