Welding Occupations
Welding technicians use arc welding equipment to weld different metal pieces together. They also cut metal components to size and finish metal parts. You can find welding work in many industries, including manufacturing, metal fabrication, and automobile and aerospace industries. The qualifications you need for a career as a welding technician include a post-secondary certificate or degree in welding technology, along with attention to detail and manual labour skills. You don’t need previous welding experience.
How to Become a Welding Technician
You typically need post-secondary training in a technical program focused on welding skills or relevant job experience that includes the use of various welding techniques, such as TIG (tungsten inert gas) and MIG (metal inert gas). Other requirements include being able to stand for long periods, physical strength and stamina, attention to detail, and time management skills. Companies hiring welding technicians usually provide on-the-job training to teach new hires their job duties, safety practices, and specific welding techniques the company uses. Welding technicians work alongside other trades people, requiring excellent communication skills and the ability to work as a team.
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A welder fitter is a skilled worker who welds and fits metal, like steel, to meet specifications. Job duties include positioning and connecting various parts by hand, often using specialized equipment such as heat torches or lasers. Some welder fitters work with high-tech gear, like a robotic arm, to complete tasks. Qualifications for a career as a welder fitter include on-the-job experience or an apprenticeship. Useful skills include the ability to read blueprints, mechanical knowledge, and strong attention to detail and safety.
How to Become a Welder Fitter
You need a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to perform manual labour with hand-held equipment. Some welder fitters start as apprentices, learning the trade alongside professional welders. Alternatively, you can enroll in a certificate program at a vocational school or earn a degree from a community college. Many employers also provide on-the-job training for new welders. Certification is not required, but becoming certified by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) may make you more competitive in the job market.
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A welding supervisor is a person with managing and supervising duties and skills. They use welding in the manufacturing, construction, and fabrication of various products. Welding supervisors monitor different factors that affect weld quality and supervise welders to obtain maximum productivity. A welding supervisor is directly responsible for ensuring that qualified welders and welding operators are working in accordance to approved welding procedure data sheets on the shop floor or in the field. They are also responsible for training workers on the proper techniques, details of materials and equipment.
How to Become a Welding Supervisor
For certification, welding supervisors need to get certified from a recognized authority such as the Canadian Welding Bureau. There is a procedure for each type of certification. Applicants need to go through the exam and clear it. The certification process consists of things like educational requirements, work experiences, applying procedures, seminars, exams, program costs, etc.
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Learn more about welding occupations, including:
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