| Anyone looking for a blue-collar career using their | | | | advance what type of documentation you will need to |
| hands might be interested in learning more about | | | | bring with you to enroll. Upon completion of the |
| welding. Many apprenticeship programs will accept | | | | program, you will receive a diploma or other type of |
| candidates who have completed tenth grade or higher | | | | skills certification document. Hold on to this, as you may |
| at the high school level, although a high school diploma | | | | need to show it to your employer later. Many |
| or GED is preferred. The most important physical skill | | | | companies frame and mount their employees' |
| is manual dexterity, physical health, and ability, along | | | | certifications and subsequent awards. |
| with analytical skills and technological savvy needed | | | | After successfully completing a program of instruction, |
| for operating a computer. So if this description doesn't | | | | you will be able to look for a company that sponsors |
| fit you, it might be better to consider another | | | | an apprenticeship program. If you get hired, you can |
| occupation. | | | | work with professional welders to learn how to |
| Key welding skills expected of those who complete | | | | actually perform welding jobs, working with many kinds |
| advanced skills training include the ability to weld a | | | | of projects, materials, and positions. You may need to |
| variety of alloys in many kinds of positions. Additional | | | | work a certain amount of time, like so many months, in |
| skills include those who can weld ferrous and | | | | order to complete your training and become a certified |
| non-ferrous materials on pipe and on plate. Many | | | | welder (CW). When you earn your credentials, you |
| programs build within a three-tier system of training | | | | may choose to stay with your present company or |
| that begins with basics and moves on to specialized | | | | search for employment with other firms. |
| welding capabilities for a variety of worksite situations. | | | | As your skills increase, so will your pay and the |
| Ongoing training may be expected, depending on the | | | | opportunity for full-time employment. Some companies |
| employer's need and job market conditions. | | | | will pay for welders to participate in training seminars |
| Those who want to become welders often begin by | | | | or workshops in town or out of state. These can take |
| enrolling in an educational program. These programs | | | | anywhere from part of a day to a week or longer, |
| featuring welding certificates are offered at many | | | | and the company usually pays all the expenses for an |
| community colleges or regional campuses of state or | | | | employee to attend, including registration, motel, and |
| private universities. The academic program provides | | | | travel costs. As you earn more certifications, you will |
| preparation for welding by explaining theories and | | | | become even more employable, which can lead to |
| applications before putting equipment in the hands of | | | | increased pay and benefits in the future. |
| beginners. To apply, you may need to provide your | | | | If you are looking for an exciting career with potential |
| high school transcripts, a driver's license for | | | | to grow, consider welding for your long-term job |
| identification, and possibly a birth certificate. Each | | | | choice. |
| institution's requirements may differ, so find out in | | | | |