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April is National Welding Month, which recognizes the difference welding makes in our society, as well as the professionals who work in the industry. Welding touches nearly every part of our day-to-day lives; the construction and repair of vehicles, buildings, and oil rigs is just the start of it.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), welding made up over 400,000 jobs in America in 2016. These jobs are dispersed across the country, with a majority of the jobs in Texas, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana.
The top three industries welders work in, according to the BLS, are Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing; Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing; and Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing.
Work conditions for welders can vary based on the industry they are employed in. According to Best of Welding, welding isn’t a cakewalk but it’s worth it.
Becoming a welder isn’t necessarily a clear-cut path. There are two main ways to start a career as a welder. The first way is completing a certified welding program; upon finishing the program, the search for a first welding job can begin. The second way is enrolling in an apprenticeship program with an employer. While both these options ultimately end in a career in welding, there are some benefits that each offer.
Earning a welding certification makes welding skills transferable. This means the certification typically carries more validation from employer to employer. The benefits of an apprenticeship have a lot to do with the cost. An apprenticeship program can be started with no experience, and the new welder often gets paid to be trained on the job.
Whether you are a welder, want to become a welder, or work with welders, you can rest assured the future for this profession looks bright (pun intended).
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