Entry-Level Welding Jobs in Virginia: Where Can I Start Out?

Welding can be a rewarding career to those who prefer hands-on work in the technical field. The industry is changing and expanding its frontiers and it should not be surprising that it appeals to many young people. Most of the products made of steel or any other metal are made with the skills of welders.

Working in this field can be a pleasure instead of drudgery, if you love what you do and practice it with passion. Welding is a career that offers choices and advancement opportunities than just any other career choice. Skilled welders are usually in high demand as they can work in almost every industry. New graduates can get access to entry-level jobs in a wide range of industries. Welding is used in several fields including:

  • Building construction
  • Military applications
  • Automotive industry
  • Aerospace and aircraft applications
  • Shipbuilding industry

Some of the entry-level jobs include welding fabricator, rail welder, ship repairer, welding machine tenderer, welding sales representative, soldering, brazing machine setter and equipment inspection.

Education Requirements for Welding Jobs

To work as a professional welder, you’ll need to enroll in an associate’s degree program in welding technology. During this program, you’ll complete courses on chemistry, mathematics, physics, blueprint reading, and mechanical drawing. You’ll also need hands-on experience, which involves practicing welding with different types and sizes of metals and other materials.

Importance of formal training before applying for welding jobs

Embarking on any career, welding included, requires through planning and preparation. Getting formal training in welding will help build a foundation for further experience and a promising career. Skipping this step can put everyone on the job site in danger.

Managing hazardous equipment

As mentioned earlier, the job necessitates the application of both heat and pressure. Most of the equipment that is in use requires careful handling to prevent the occurrence of accidents at the workplace. For instance, welding involves handling of hazardous materials such as asbestos and compressed gases that require one to be trained in vital safety precautions. Training on the proper use of all tools and equipment is imperative in preventing accidents.

Confidence when working

After you have landed a job in the welding industry, you will have to serve different customers with different traits. The tasks will also vary a lot, and you will be required to perform these tasks to perfection regardless of the nature of the client or the job. During formal training, students are taught how to relate to different clients as well as how to carry out their work in a professional fashion. As a result, they are able to execute every task with confidence and comfort. Which means, having an easy time at the new job and increasing the company’s profits in the long run.

Work in a variety of industries and places

Trained and skilled welders can find work in different sectors and industries. Welders have a wide variety of jobs, such as working on bridges, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, buildings, to name a few. In all of these industries, employees will look for workers with a strong training foundation. Also, education gives you the flexibility of changing careers between different sectors and locations to meet your personal interests and satisfaction.

High demand for skilled welders

The demand for skilled welders keeps increasing with the passing of time, but the number of skilled welders cannot meet this demand. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment outlook for professionals in the welding industry is expected to grow by 6% from 2016 to 2026. Additionally, thousands of welders are expected to retire in the coming years. With this in mind, now is the ideal time to consider a new career as a professional welder. Backed up with the right skills and qualifications, you will have a chance at the employment opportunities in your field.

If you’d like to get an opportunity to shape your career as a professional welder, consider earning a Associate in Occupational Science (A.O.S.) degree in Maritime Welding at Advanced Technology Institute. Please contact us to learn more about the program.

Maritime Welding Training