Industrial

Welder

Join metal with heat and precision — from structural steel and pipe to pressure vessels and fabrication.

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What They Do

Welders read drawings and weld symbols, prepare and fit joints, and weld using processes such as SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW, and GTAW (TIG). Many also cut, grind, and fabricate.

Where They Work

Fabrication and machine shops
Shipyards and pipelines
Refineries and power plants
Manufacturing and construction sites

Skills Needed

Steady hand and hand-eye coordination
Blueprint and weld-symbol reading
Fractions and measurement
Metallurgy and heat-control basics

Typical Training Path

Common paths include a 6–18 month trade school or community college welding program, or a 3–4 year apprenticeship in pipefitting, boilermaking, or ironworking.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Welding is often learned inside another trade's apprenticeship (pipefitter, boilermaker, ironworker) or through employer-sponsored training and weld tests.

Certifications

AWS D1.1 structural welding certification
ASME Section IX pipe welding qualifications
API 1104 pipeline qualifications
OSHA 10 / OSHA 30

Career Advancement

Certified welder → Combo welder / pipe welder
Weld inspector (CWI)
Welding foreman or fabrication supervisor
Shop owner or mobile welding business

Typical Work Environment

Work varies by employer and project. Expect a mix of indoor and outdoor work, physical activity, teamwork, safety procedures, and problem solving.

How to Get Started

Finish high school or earn a GED — most programs require it.
Build your math, measurement, and mechanical basics with our free test-prep resources.
Talk with a mentor or tradesperson about a typical day on the job.
Apply to an apprenticeship, trade school, or entry-level helper position.