Welders are always in short supply.
In fact, AWS predicts a shortage of 400,000 by 2024.
That means now is the perfect time to start a welding career.
Here are some tips to help you find welding jobs. This is not an exhaustive list, but it will get you on the right track.
Improve your chances of getting a welding job
Here are 13 tips to help you find steady welding work:
1. Search job listings carefully
When searching job engines for major employers, look carefully at the categories.
Welding jobs may appear under Skilled Trades, Manufacturing, Construction, General Labor, Repair and Maintenance, or Industrial Technology.
With diligence, the list of welders should show up eventually.
2. Go out and visit the office
For small employers, job seekers traditionally call or visit the office (regardless of the position being advertised).
Ask if you can test for a welder position. If one is not available, please wait a month before calling again.
By simply mailing your resume and waiting on the phone, you may not be able to find a job.
3. Learn more than one process
Don’t just focus on learning one way to weld because you’ll find that the most comfortable.
Employers often prefer multi-process welders over welders with limited skills.
4. Learn pipe welding
You can likewise increase your attractiveness to recruiters by developing your structural and piping welding skills.
Plumbing is harder, but experts predict thousands of new construction and repair jobs in the coming years.
Pipe welding also typically pays more than structural welding.
5. Learning certification
Once you know the detailed steps of a welding certification test, rehearse the steps until you can perform the required welds in your sleep.
6. Practice at home
After a semester of training, consider purchasing a small arc welder (MIG, TIG, or Stick) or an oxyacetylene kit so you can practice at home.
For more information, see Guide: How to Choose a Welder.
7. Tips for college students
If you are a college student:
- If you can afford your time in school and meet graduation requirements, go for an AS degree. This degree will help you qualify for high-paying jobs.
- Work a few hours a week part-time at your local welding supply store. This is a great way to learn about different tools, supplies, and hardware. You’ll also have relevant work experience that you can add to your CV.
- In your second year, sign up for a welding internship with a local company. This allows you to conduct on-the-job training with maximum efficiency and without stress.
- Build relationships with your teachers and classmates, and volunteer in the tool room or with special projects. This paves the way for job referrals and peer-to-peer networking.
8. Keep references close at hand
Because there is so much to learn, compile a reference binder to keep with you at work or school.
Divide it into different welding processes and reproduce helpful diagrams, diagrams and product inventory lists.
Understanding the classification system for consumables is critical.
9. Join AWS
Join a professional organization like the American Welding Society, which offers discounted rates to students, and participate in local chapter events.
This will keep you updated on the latest job trends and expand your network of contacts.
10. Prepare to move
Use the job board list to monitor which cities and regions of the country are experiencing a job boom.
If you want to earn a higher wage, you may decide to relocate to one of these areas.
However, to limit stress, it may be preferable to schedule your first welding job closer to home.
11. Check Financial Aid
If you currently have little or no income, you may be eligible for tuition remission at junior colleges and some not-for-profit job training programs.
Other forms of financial aid are available to purchase books and pay your monthly bill while you are in school.
Check with your local unemployment office, nonprofit job counseling center, or university financial aid department for more information.
12. Buy a Liar Lens
When welding, if you can’t see the weld pool or track the joint with the torch, buy a “fool lens”.
This is a magnifying glass or plastic insert calibrated to a distance of about 12 inches. Stick it inside the helmet and adjust the shadow settings.
This should help you see things better.
13. Find support locations
While not everyone will become a skilled welder over time, nearly every student can take advantage of the coming job boom.
Be sure to check out support positions such as Welding Inspector, Staff Recruiter, Sales Representative, Buyer, Project Assistant and more.