Welders work in metal and manufacturing industries. They must be well-trained as their job of fastening different pieces of metal together can be very dangerous. They perform a job in producing just about any metal product a person may see that has joints, hinges, or is a combination of different pieces of metal.
Welders usually work in the manufacturing department or work shop of a production plant. They generally fasten different pieces of metal together, but they may also do the same for plastics and different polymers. They fasten these materials together using a specialized welder's torch that produces an electrical flame with an extreme amount of heat. This is the only way one can precision-melt a metal so that it can be fastened or welded, to another piece of metal.
Welders may work various shifts depending on their company's hours of production. They may work typical day hours Monday through Friday or they may work overnight or on the weekend. When working, welders wear a metal face mask with a piece of protective glass for the eyes. This glass protects the welder from the extremely bright light produced by their torch flame. They also wear protective leather gloves, sleeves, and an apron. Welders can work on their own or with a team of metal smiths, and they usually report to either a welding team manager or a productions supervisor.
Many employers require that their employees hold a high school diploma, and they sometimes require specific welding certifications. The certifications required are dependent and specific to the type of metal/material they work with. Relevant experience in the field is often required by many companies.
- Follow blueprints to arrange metal pieces and temporarily fix them into position before welding.
- Safely set up and operate welding machines and other shop equipment.
- Cut or join together metal pieces using manual or semi-automatic welding machines.