I turn on my welder and sparks begin to fly, what will I put together or what will I take apart, it all just depends on the job. The career that I have chosen is a welder. A welder works with metal material, connecting pieces to make a project. Welders can also make repairs on metal and take apart metal. I chose this career because my dad is a welder and he owns his own business which I hope to take over one day. It also has a decent pay to support one person a year. Also, it’s a job that I think I’d be good at. Welding is a good job because it uses a lot of creativity, thinking, and movement that should be used every day.
Work Environment Welders have to do many tasks with metal working every day. The main job of a welder is to join metal parts and to fix broken metals. This is done with an electric tool that uses extreme heat to melt metal wire as it is applied to the metal. I think working with heat in high temperatures could be a problem. Also, welding is a job that can only be done on metal material. If metal breaks it can be fixed while most other materials with most likely be easily replaced. This could make the job easier for me by only using certain metal materials.
Overall, the job of a welder could be very easy or very difficult. Welders work short hours and mostly work in one location. A welder works about 8 to 12 hours a day. A basic work day for a welder is 8 hours plus optional overtime. I would prefer this because it would be enough work to pay for one person every year. Also, welders travel only when necessary to deliver complete parts. A delivery will be made when parts are ordered to be delivered. This would be good for me because I prefer to not travel. In conclusion, welders have short work days and typically don’t travel.
Education and Training Welders only need a basic education such as a highschool diploma. The education to become a welder is a high school diploma or higher but that is optional. All that is necessary is to graduate highschool and you are eligible for hire to be a welder. This is good to me because I won’t have to go to college, it will be optional. Also, you receive on the job training. The more you work the more training you will receive even if you have no experience with welding. This could really help me stay at a steady pace with my learning and knowledge of welding. In conclusion, the education and training for this job is basic and easy to comprehend.
Important Qualities Welders need to be able to read basic models, blueprints, and diagrams. Math and science/engineering are the two most important skills necessary in welding and are associated with scale models and other diagrams. Blueprints and other models are a main source used for building projects. I think this would be one of the more difficult areas for me. Also, welders are found making models of a project. You will go to the location and make a basic model to get an idea for the project. I think this would be much easier to do rather than reading the models. In conclusion, welders should be able to understand basic models and diagrams.
Welders have to be able to lift heavy metals. Welders are normally found lifting heavy metals at work. They have to move metals pieces to work on them. I think this would be fine because it’s part of the job. Secondly, welders have to lift heavy metals to load trucks. Welders have to lift heavy metals to load trucks for deliveries being made. This is all fine with me because I’d be staying fit and healthy. Overall, welders have to be strong enough to lift heavy metals daily.
Salary and Job Outlook
Salary (OHH) Location Average Weekly Pay Average Monthly Pay Average Salary United States $698 $3,025 $36,300 The average salary for a welder is $36,300 a year. This amount is just enough to support one person per year which is about $30,000 to $60,000. The monthly pay is $3,025 and the weekly pay is $698 and can only be raised if a worker does overtime which is 1 to 3 hours at most.
Outlook (OHH) Location 2012 2022 Change % Job Opening United States 357,400 378,200 6% 20,800 In 2012 there were 357,400 jobs and by the time of 2022 there should be 378,200 jobs. The job opening is 20,800 jobs with a 6% change within the 10 years.This should be fine a good amount of opening for me to get a job straight after high school.
Conclusion Welding uses the basic skills that should be used every day and much more. You do hands on and hands free work every day. I still plan on being a welder. My dad is already teaching me how to weld so that I can work with him. Also I still hope to take over his business one day. I will think about the amount of money needed to be saved in order to get a house. Second is the location that I’m going to work which will possibly in Ross or Miamitown. Also, if I’m going to go from high school to work or if I’m going to college. Overall welding is a great career that can be done by anyone with an interest of welding.