Welding offers a wide range of job opportunities beyond assembly lines, including repairing aircraft, ships, and equipment in outer space. The demand for welders is expected to increase significantly, with many schools offering incentives to recruit new students. Certification and multiple certifications can lead to job promotion and higher salaries. Some welding careers involve sales, engineering, programming, and research, but there are potential hazards that require protective clothing and adequate ventilation.
Welding is one of those industries where there are an exceptional number of job opportunities. In fact, there are many welding careers that go far beyond simply joining metal parts together on an assembly or production line. For example, some welding careers focus on repairing aircraft, ships, and even equipment held in outer space, opening up job opportunities in government military and defense agencies. Others choose welding careers that combine machining skills with commercial diving experience in order to work building or repairing underwater bridges.
In addition to a wide variety of attractive and lucrative jobs, the demand for all types of welders is expected to increase significantly over the next decade and beyond. In fact, the American Welding Society (AWS) estimates that the number of welding jobs will soon exceed the available number of qualified welders by at least 200,000 workers in the United States alone. In an effort to meet this demand, many welding schools and training programs continue to actively recruit new students. As an added incentive, many facilities offer signing bonuses, scholarships and reimbursement programs, and guaranteed placement services.
Those who are successful in launching well-paying welding careers have done so by earning certification. There are several different types of welding certifications related to various welding processes used in specific fields or industries. However, there is no limit to the number of certifications a welder can earn. In fact, many welders hold multiple certifications, which creates greater opportunities in terms of job promotion and salary range. While a US welding certification is generally accepted in much of the world, European and international welding certification is also possible.
Some welding careers involve working mostly on the other side of the hot plate, so to speak. For example, some welders end up getting contracts for the sale and repair of welding equipment. Other advanced welding careers include welding and fabrication engineering, programming lasers, robots and other computer-controlled systems, as well as working in research and development.
Note, however, that some welding careers do not pose a risk of injury. Indeed, some welders work in environments that require the ability to withstand awkward positions for extended periods while perched in a precarious location, such as scaffolding. Other potential occupation hazards include burns, injuries from falling objects, and exposure to chemicals or gases. However, regulations dictate that protective clothing and adequate ventilation must be provided to minimize these risks. Also, care should be taken when considering a particular welding career if there is an aversion to heights, contained spaces or underwater environments.
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