Considering A Welding Career
Within the next five years, experts predict a large shortage of capable manufacturing workers almost everywhere, and many companies are already reporting difficulty finding welders. The American Welding Society (AWS) predicts that by 2010, the demand for skilled welders in the U.S. alone may outpace supply by 200,000 individuals.
In this tough economic time, job security and demand are becoming a priority for those seeking career opportunities. In fact, many schools are now offering scholarships, bonuses, tuition reimbursement offers, and salaries on par with those of newly graduated engineers. It also appears that newly certified welders will enjoy guaranteed job placement.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median hourly earnings of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers were $16.72 in May 2008. The middle 50% earned between $14.90 and $21.05. Skilled welders are in extreme demand and they can thus demand a highly competitive salary. The range of earnings of welders reflects the wide range of skill levels. In addition, many welders are asked to join a union, which brings benefits and security to the workers.
Training to become a welder can take time. The training time, depending on the skill being acquired, can last from a few weeks to years. The best formal training is generally found in vocational-technical institutions that specialize in welding, like Oklahoma Technical College in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Some welders become certified, a process whereby the employer sends a worker to an institution, such as an independent testing lab, equipment manufacturer, or technical school, to weld a test specimen according to specific codes and standards required by the employer.A certification is your passport to more demanding and better-paying jobs. You can accumulate any number and type of certifications, demonstrating expertise and versatility. The more certifications you earn, the better, even if you will not be jumping from process to process, except when needed. In due time, a well-conceived collection of certificates, together with documented experience, lead to supervisory posts with more responsibility and better pay.
Anyone concerned with selecting a career for life should know that now is indeed the right time to grab the great opportunity to become part of the large welding family. For more information on welding training, contact your local community college.
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