Where Can Your Welding Education Take You? Fun Facts About The Field
You're considering a welding education program. A career in this field offers an array of job options and lets you follow many different paths. When you start your educational program (and sign up for welding courses), you're on your way to a future that's filled with possibilities. But, before you get serious and start welding professionally, check out a few interesting (and even amazing) facts about your new career choice.
Welding is out of this world.
In 1969, Russian cosmonauts first tried to weld in space, according to American Welding Society. Off-of-Earth welding still continues on the International Space Station.
Bronze-age workers welded.
More than 5,500 years ago people began using metals (bronze). Workers discovered that heating the metal and then hitting it with a hammer could change the shape. Thus, welding was born.
Your welding class may start in the virtual world.
Some schools begin classes with a virtual welding experience. This allows beginning students to learn the basics and explore techniques before trying the real deal.
Some pros weld under water.
Some divers dry-weld under water (in the ocean, in lakes or other watery spaces). Others wet-weld using shielded metal arc welding. Underwater welders must be certified commercial divers.
Plenty of products require a welder's help.
Cars, trains, buildings, boats – these are all things that are made at least partially through welding. What does that mean for you? There are lots of different job options that open up when you complete your welding education program.
Vehicle parts are the top spot.
Even though there are an amazing array of welding jobs out there, cars are number one. The motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry employs more professionals in this field than any other sector, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The most welders work in Texas.
Texas ranks as the top state for welders (and professions in soldering, brazing and machine setters), notes the BLS. This is followed by Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio and California.
Salaries seriously differ.
Like any other industry, new workers make less than seasoned pros. As you move through your career, the type of welding that you do may dictate how much you make. Welders with additional skills (such as certified divers who work under water) make more, as do pros with college degrees (such as welding engineers).
Now that you know the facts (or, at least the fun ones) the next step is to register for your welding courses. Whether you choose to work on cars, boats or under water, welding is a career with major job potential and has plenty of exciting options. For more information, contact an organization like the Careers Institute of America.
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