Combination Welding |
Who Are Combination Welders?Is This Program in My Area?What Do Combination Welders Do? Welders use over 80 different welding processes and techniques to fuse metal together. The type of weld used is determined by several factors including the type of metal and function of the weld. Some welds are performed manually by the welder and others are performed semi-automatically using special equipment. The most common types of welding performed by combination welders are arc welding. Different techniques of arc welding include using two large alligator clips that clamp the metal pieces together then use electrical currents to fuse them, or gas welding which involves the welder using a gas or electric torch to melt a metal rod or wire against pieces of metal to permanently join them together. Combination Welding Training Employers tend to favor hiring welders who have completed formal welding training at a welding school. Welding courses are available at vocational schools, technical institutes, community colleges, universities and trade schools that offer classes for welding. At welding school students take welding classes that provide experience with welding techniques, soldering and brazing. Welding classes also train welders to properly inspect welds for quality and stability. Welding courses also include training in blueprint reading, shop mathematics, metallurgy and mechanical drawing. The time it takes to complete a welding course at welding school depends on the skill level being attained. Some basic skill welding classes for welding school takes a few weeks while more complex welding classes that result in Bachelor’s Degrees can take a few years. Combination Welding Certification Earning welding certification can improve a welder’s chances of getting a job. There are some specialized combination welding positions that require certification as proof of certain welding skills. Welding certification is provided by the American Welding Society and is earned by attending a certification welding course and passing a test taught at most welding schools. Combination Welding Job Prospects Combination welders are in demand in every industry that constructs or manufactures products with metals. Welders are able to find employment primarily with companies like metal fabrication plants, car manufacturing plants, boat yards, construction companies, pipe fitting companies, bicycle production shops and others. Combination welders are able to advance their careers to more skilled welding jobs through additional welding training and work experience. Welders may be promoted to welding technicians, shop supervisors, inspectors, or welding course instructors. Some experienced welders decide to be their own boss and open their own repair shops. Experienced welders who earned a Bachelors Degree from welding school become welding engineers. Combination Welding Job Security and Salary The demand for skilled welders is slowly growing. The need for welders has grown despite declines in parts of the manufacturing industry because of advances in welding technology. Plus growth in the construction and utility industry has caused the demand for welding jobs to grow stronger than most industrial occupations. Because welders are employed across a wide range of industries can find better paying jobs. As such, depending on welding training and work experience welders are able to earn $25,000 to $47,000 per year. |