Welder
Welders weld steel framework for buildings, machines and other equipment using manual or semi-automatic welding equipment. They cut and join materials in order to assemble, install and repair equipment.
Future Job Market
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Fair
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Good
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Excellent
Typical Employers:
Welders are employed by production farms, farm equipment dealers and manufacturers, seed production companies, cooperatives, feed and grain companies and food production companies.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:
- American Welding Society
- United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices
- Welding Research Council
Salary:
$48,000?
SAE Connections:
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to safely perform welding and cutting functions
- Perform pre-weld procedures like preparing areas for safety and identifying all required steps to build the structure
- Assemble, install, maintain and repair equipment
- Read and interpret layout plans and blueprints
- Complete steel construction
- Perform calculations such as the dimensions of metal parts to be welded
- Take measurements and plan layouts and procedures needed to complete a project
- Work high in the air, underwater or in a shop setting
- Ensure a safe work environment in compliance with all safety policies and procedures using the appropriate tools and equipment
- Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot and repair tools/equipment
- Position and secure work piece, using hoist, crane, wire and banding machine or hand tools
- Work independently or with a small team of other welders to complete large and complex projects
- Maintain records of maintenance activities
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education, especially agricultural mechanics
- welding
- sciences
- mathematics
Education/Training Required:
A high school diploma and, in many cases, a welding certification is required.
