April is National Welding Month, and there’s never been a better time to celebrate this trade. According to the American Welding Society, welding is a skill that is in demand with employers across the country. Industry analysts are predicting a shortage of more than 200,000 skilled welding professionals by the end of this year. If you are good with your hands and like finding solutions to problems, this is the right time to explore this growing field by starting your welding training.
What Is a Welder?
A welder is a skilled tradesman who uses hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to fabricate and assemble metal structures and equipment by applying heat with a torch or other welding instrument. While welding is a physical job, it requires some understanding of mathematics and the ability to read and interpret welding prints to complete jobs.
How to Become a Welder
Welding takes a specific skillset but does not require a college degree. By enrolling in an accredited welding program, you will learn everything you need to know to begin your career as a welder.
The program at Fortis starts with classroom training that provides students with the skills needed to complete the basic career requirements. Next, students transition into hands-on practice, which can make up about 80% of the welding program. Fortis also teaches welding students career skills to help them understand expectations and exhibit professionalism at all times. After completing the welding training program, students take certification exams with testing requirements that may vary by state or by employer.
Where Can a Welder Find a Job?
Welders can find employment in a variety of industries. In manufacturing, welders may build and repair airplanes or automobiles. On a construction site, welders join steel to build bridges or buildings. Some welders even work underwater, repairing oilrigs, ships and other structures. And, welders are needed as members of a racing crew pit team.
There is opportunity for growth and specialization in the welding industry. After completing training and gathering job experience, welders can become more specialized as brazers, fabricators, cutters, fitters, solderers, arc operators and more.
If the art and science of welding sounds interesting to you, Fortis offers welding programs at campuses in Georgia and Ohio (Cuyahoga Falls and Cincinnati). To pursue a career in this field, call 1-855-436-7847 for more information or to schedule a campus visit.