Welding is one of those industries in which there are an exceptional number of employment opportunities. In fact, there are quite a number of welding careers that go far beyond simply joining metal parts on an assembly or production line. For instance, some welding careers center around repairing aircraft, ships, and even equipment maintained in outer space, making employment opportunities with government military and defense agencies possible. Others choose welding careers that combine metalworking skills with commercial diving expertise in order to work underwater constructing or repairing bridges.
In addition to a wide variety of appealing and lucrative jobs, the demand for all types of welders is expected to increase significantly in the next decade and beyond. In fact, The American Welding Society (AWS) estimates that the number of vacant welding jobs will soon surpass the available pool of skilled 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 sign-on bonuses, tuition scholarships and reimbursement programs, and guaranteed job placement services.
Those who are successful in launching high-paying welding careers have done so by obtaining certification. There are a number of different types of welding certifications that are related to various welding processes used in specific fields or industries. However, there is no limit to the number of certifications that a welder may obtain. In fact, many welders possess multiple certifications, which creates greater opportunities in terms of job advancement and salary range. While a U.S. welding certification is generally accepted throughout most of the world, it is also possible to obtain European and International welding certification.
Some welding careers involve working primarily on the other side of the hot plate, so to speak. For example, some welders eventually work their way into acquiring 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, and working in research and development.
It should be noted, however, that some welding careers are not without risk of injury. In fact, some welders work in environments that require the ability to endure awkward positions for lengthy periods while perched in a precarious location, such as scaffolding. Other potential hazards of the occupation include burns, injury 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. In addition, care should be taken when considering a specific welding career if an aversion to heights, contained spaces, or underwater environments exists.
