Welder Job Description
What is Welding?
Common Arc Welding Processes
| Arc Welding Process | Electrode Type | Applications |
| Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) | Consumable, Stick Electrode | Refrigeration, Automotive, Plumping, Construction, Pipe & Structural Welding |
| Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) | Consumable, Wire Electrode | Automotive Repair, Construction, Maritime, Robotics & Plumbing |
| Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) | Consumable, Flux-Filled, Wire Electrode | Manufacturing & Shipbuilding |
| Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) | Non-Consumable, Tungsten Electrode | Vehicle Manufacturing, Bicycle & Pipe Welding |
Midwest Technical Institute offers welding training programs at its campuses in the cities of Springfield, East Peoria, and Moline, Illinois. Welding training is also available at the school’s Springfield, Missouri, campus. MTI students receive welding certification from the school in SMAW, GTAW, and FCAW.
What Are Welder Duties?
| Preparation | Welding | Post-Welding Tasks |
| Analyze Blueprints & Welding Specifications | Lay Out, Position & Align Components to Be Welded Using Straightedges & a Combination of Rulers, Squares & Calipers | Examine Workpieces for Defects & Discontinuities |
| Calculate Dimensions of Materials to Be Welded to Verify They Meet Specifications | Ignite Torches or Power Supplies | Use Templates or Straightedges to Measure that Workpieces Meet Welding Specifications |
| Put on Safety Gear: Heat-Resistant Gloves, Facial Masks, Goggles, Protective Lenses, Helmets, Heavy, Oil-Protective Clothing & Safety Boots | Use Thermal-Cutting Equipment to Cut or Scrap Metals | Clean & Treat Workpieces: Remove Slag or Dross, Buff, Polish, or Use a Heat Treatment |
| Clear Workspace of Debris & Obstructions | Heat Bent, Grind, or Bolt Components | Clean & Maintain Equipment and Machinery |
| Inspect Structures to Be Welded | Operate Hand & Power Tools & Other Welding Equipment (Manual or Semi-Automatic) | Clean Workspace |
| Select, Inspect & Calibrate Appropriate Equipment & Tools for the Job | Fuse, Cast, Fabricate, or Forge Components in Vertical, Flat, or Overhead Positions | Communicate with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates |
| Disassemble Equipment for Maintenance & Repair | Fill Holes to Increase the Size of Metal Parts | Turn in Work |
| Clean or Treat Metals & Workpieces to Be Welded | Monitor One’s Work to Prevent Overheating | Remove & Put Away Safety Gear |
When Do Welder’s Work?
Where Are Welders Needed?
Considering that more than half of U.S. products are made with welding, it’s no wonder that many industries need welders. 63% of welders work in manufacturing. Below are some of the most common sectors of manufacturing that employ welders.
Top Manufacturing Employers of Welders
| Manufacturing Sector | Percentage of Employment |
| Fabricated Metal Architectural and Structural Products | 13.04 Percent |
| Machinery for Mining, Agriculture & Construction | 9.92 Percent |
| Motor Vehicle Trailers and Bodies | 13.22 Percent |
| General Use Machinery | 6.45 Percent |
Other Employers of Welders
| Type of Employer | Percentage of Employment |
| Specialty Trade Contractors | 7 Percent |
| Self-Employed Welders | 5 Percent |
| Repair & Maintenance Businesses | 4 Percent |
| Wholesalers of Durable Goods | 4 Percent |
Types of Welding Jobs
Working in the Welding Industry
As you can see, the work of welders is largely hands-on and somewhat physically demanding. In return for their efforts, welders often get to enjoy the fulfillment of seeing a project through from start to finish and of contributing to the creation of the goods and structures the nation relies on.
Sources
- https://www.aws.org/certification/detail/railroad-welding-specification-for-cars-and-locomotives
- http://awsweldlink.org/careers/detail/welder
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm#tab-2
- https://www.bakersgas.com/weldmyworld/2011/03/06/the-different-kinds-of-welding-electrodes/
- https://www.gowelding.org/welding-certification/smaw-6g-pipe/
- https://www.gowelding.org/welding/tig-gtaw/pipe-walk-cup/
- http://awsweldlink.org/careers/detail/welder
- https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-4121.06
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm#tab-3
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes514121.htm
- https://www.gowelding.org/articles/facts-about-career-welding/