Welding is a demanding career, but if you are a person who likes to work with your hands and create or repair things, welding might be the career path for you. This article could help you figure out if welding is for you. I'm writing this, so I could help people see what to expect in welding
Welding is physically demanding and involves working often in hot and hazardous environments, where you use high heat to fuse metal according to blueprints.
Welders read blueprints and join two or more pieces of metal using heat, pressure or both according to blueprints.
Welders start their day by checking if all equipment is in good working order, then they review blueprints and inspect materials to make sure they meet project standards, and when all the equipment is ready they start welding. Depending on the project, different welding techniques may be used. Once they're done welding they check for cracks, porosity or weak points. Then, they have to do the end-of-day clean up by putting away all equipment used, cleaning up to prevent fire hazards and ensuring the machines are ready for the next shift.
Welders might work in factories, workshops, or they could also work outdoors such as in construction sites and oil rigs.
To become a welder, you can get a high school diploma or GED, complete a vocational certificate, or find an apprenticeship.
Welders can make about $35,000 to $80,000 per year depending on level of experience and specializations.
Welders can pursue additional training in specialized welding techniques, different materials, inspection, and supervision. These could allow a welder to increase their skills and into higher paying or more technical roles.
The dangers of welding include physical risks like burns, electrocution cuts, or eye damage as well as long term health problems from inhaling fumes and gases in a poorly ventilated workspace.
Welders are highly unlikely to be completely replaced by robots. While welding robots are already widely used for high-volume and repetitive tasks, they lack the adaptability, judgment and dexterity of human welders for complex, custom, and on-site projects.
Welders' retirement ages vary significantly, but many retire around the age of 65, while others work into their 70s and beyond.The physical demands of the job can also lead to earlier retirement if health issues arise.
I will start my welding courses in January and plan on starting work at raglan mine in the north of quebec mid 2026 once I have my diploma. I hope to travel the world once I save enough money on my 2 week breaks.
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