Welding is one of those industries with a disproportionately large number of job openings. In fact, there are a variety of welding jobs available that go beyond simply joining metal parts on a production line. Some welding careers, for example, focus on repairing aircraft, ships, and even equipment maintained in space, which can lead to employment with government military and defense agencies. Others choose welding jobs that combine metalworking skills with commercial diving experience, such as underwater bridge construction or repair.
The demand for all types of welders is expected to increase significantly in the next decade and beyond, in addition to a wide variety of appealing and lucrative jobs. Indeed, the American Welding Society (AWS) estimates that the number of open welding jobs in the United States will soon outnumber the available pool of skilled welders by at least 200,000 workers. Many welding schools and training programs continue to actively recruit new students in order to meet this demand. Many facilities also offer sign-on bonuses, tuition scholarships and reimbursement programs, and guaranteed job placement services as additional incentives.
Those who have been successful in starting high-paying welding careers have done so by becoming certified. There are a variety of welding certifications available, each of which is related to specific welding processes used in specific fields or industries. A welder, on the other hand, has no limit to the number of certifications he or she can obtain. In fact, many welders have multiple certifications, which opens up more opportunities for advancement and higher pay. While a US welding certification is widely accepted throughout the world, European and international welding certifications are also available.
Some welding jobs require you to work primarily on the opposite side of the hot plate. Some welders, for example, eventually work their way up to sales and repair contracts for welding equipment. Welding and fabrication engineering, programming lasers, robots, and other computer-controlled systems, and working in research and development are all examples of advanced welding careers.
It’s worth noting, however, that some welding jobs come with a risk of injury. In fact, some welders work in environments where they must be able to stay in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time while perched in a precarious position, such as scaffolding. Burns, injury from falling objects, and exposure to chemicals or gases are all potential hazards of the job. To reduce these risks, however, regulations require that protective clothing and adequate ventilation be provided. Additionally, if you have a fear of heights, enclosed spaces, or underwater environments, you should exercise caution when considering a welding career.