According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US currently employs more than 1.5 million welders. Opportunities in welding are expected to increase by about 8% from 2014-2024, which means that there will be more career opportunities in machining and welding jobs.
So how do I get to start a career in machining and welding? The first step in getting started with any career is finding out what you’re interested in and then going after it. If you want to get into welding or machining, here are some tips on starting your journey.
Read this guide to understand more about machining and welding and check out the careers available at Elemet Manufacturing.
How to Get Started in Machining and Welding Careers
Find a Mentor
A mentor can help guide you through the process of learning a trade and give you advice as you progress. You may also need to have a mentor if you’re looking for work while still in school.
Learn Basic Skills
The best way to learn a skill is through hands-on experience. This could mean volunteering at an organization that offers training programs or joining a local apprenticeship program.
Take Classes
Some schools offer courses specifically geared toward helping students prepare for careers in certain fields. For example, many colleges offer welding courses.
Others might have general education requirements such as English and math before allowing students to take specific coursework.
What Are Some Different Career Paths in Machining and Welding?
When it comes to opportunities in welding and machining, there are several different areas where you can focus your efforts. These include:
- Toolmakers: Help design tools used by other workers to perform their job
- Machine operators: Operate machines that make products or parts
- Maintenance technicians: Keep machinery running smoothly
- Welders: Use heat and pressure to join metals together
Actually, these career paths aren’t all that different. You’ll spend most of your time working on equipment and using various tools in most cases. However, each area has its own set of responsibilities and duties.
What Industries Could You Work In?
You’ll find yourself working in almost any industry imaginable in machining and welding. You may even end up working for an organization with multiple divisions.
Some common industries that employ people with welding techniques include:
Aerospace
Aircraft manufacturers need skilled welders to produce planes, helicopters, and spacecraft. Aircraft manufacturing companies also need machinists to build engines, propellers, and other components.
Automotive
Vehicle manufacturers hire machinists and welders to help build cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. These workers must be careful not to damage parts during assembly. They also must ensure that vehicles meet safety standards before being sold.
Construction
Many construction jobs involve building roads, bridges, homes, offices, and other structures. This means construction workers will need to use power tools and welding equipment to get the job done.
Energy
Oil refineries, coal mines, and nuclear plants all need skilled machinists and welders. In addition, energy companies need engineers to design pipelines, power stations, and other infrastructure projects.
Types of Certifications
Institutions have been training professionals in machining and welding since the early 1900s. Many organizations offer education for welding and machining to prepare students for careers as machinists and welders.
The following is a list of some of the more common certifications available today:
American Welding Society (AWS)
This organization has four levels of certification: Journeyman, Master Craftsman, Master Welder, and Fellow.
National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
This institute provides five levels of certification: Apprentice, Associate, Baccalaureate, Graduate, and Expert.
If you want to become certified, check with your local trade association or go online to see if it offers certification programs. If so, you should be able to find information about how to apply.
Getting Hired
After earning a certificate in machining and welding, the next step is looking for a job. The following section outlines a few ways to go about doing just that.
Apply Online
Searching for a job on the Internet is one of the best ways to find a position. Companies post their openings online, making it easy for anyone to apply.
Network With Other Professionals
It’s important to network when looking for work. Ask friends, family members, coworkers, and others what positions they know of that require machinists or welders.
Attend Trade Shows
Trade shows are great places to learn about new products and services. Attending these events allows you to talk to industry leaders about what they’re doing now and where they think the market is headed.
Join a Trade Association
Trade associations often hold networking events. Here people from different industries meet to share ideas and discuss business opportunities.
Joining a trade association may give you access to valuable contacts. Those contacts may be able to help advance your career.
Why Machine and Welding Training Is Important
Machining and welding are two of the most common jobs in America. They are also among the fastest-growing occupations.
The demand for qualified workers will continue to rise as manufacturers seek to improve efficiency and reduce costs. As a result, there is a growing need for trained professionals in these areas.
Onboarding and training skilled workers is costly. Certifications show that you already have a basic set of skills to work with and are job-ready.
Specialized welding certificates can also put you in high demand, offer better job stability, and earn higher pay.
Get Started Today
Elemet Manufacturing is a leading manufacturer of metal fabrication equipment and supplies. Our goal is to provide our customers with quality products at competitive prices.
At Elemet, we believe in providing exceptional service and support to our customers. We take pride in our ability to listen to customer needs and respond quickly and efficiently.
Our highly skilled staff is committed to exceeding our customers’ expectations by offering superior technical expertise and outstanding customer service.
Machinists and welders play critical roles in this process. Their skills allow them to create precise parts and assemble complex machinery. By becoming certified, you’ll increase your chances of getting hired and finding a job that will enable you to make products needed in every industry imaginable.
For more information on machining and welding services and careers, contact us today!
