Skilled Trades Insight: What is a Master Welder?

Skilled Trades Insight: What is a Master Welder?

The title of Master Welder carries a lot of weight in the profession, and for good reason. Anyone who has achieved this status has earned it through accumulating at least five years' experience in a welding career, and learning, not only their own craft, but ancillary crafts as well. Master Welders may be called upon to use their welding school skills in a variety of fields.

Basic Requirements of a Master Welder

The first requirement of Master Welders is precision. They must be able to consistently create near flawless welds with a failure rate below 5% in Magna Flux testing, and below 10% in X-ray testing. They must also be a journeyman fitter and be able to read blueprints as well. Master Welders are also able to cultivate good team skills, work safely and responsibly without supervision, and realize that not everything can be taught in welding school, so they must help the welders under them. It's not just a welding career to this professional, it's a commitment.

Job Opportunities for a Master Welder

There are many areas where a welding career may take the Master Welder after achieving a welding degrees. Structural welding is one of the more common ones and may include bridge and overpass construction as well as work on high-rise office buildings, refineries, power plants, and even shipbuilding. Another venue for the Master Welder is in the aerospace industry. There is no substitute for the trained eye of a seasoned professional when it comes to this type of metalwork.

Preparing to Become a Master Welder

Although welding can be taught on-the-job, it's difficult to proceed beyond the lower levels of welding and into the realm of the Master Welder without attending a dedicated welding school of some type. Whether a part of a college-level curriculum, or at a technical-vocational institution, becoming a Master Welder requires years of dedicated study and practice at a master welder program. However, that hard work is worth it for these skilled professionals.

Prospects for a Master Welder

With a growing need for welders as many countries begin the daunting task of rebuilding their infrastructures of highways, bridges, and public buildings, the prospects for a Master Welder are looking brighter all the time. Openings will depend, to a degree on the welding certifications a Master Weld has accumulated, but the current salary figures show that a Master Welder can earn an average of between $35,000 and $40,000 per year. Salaries depend upon the job and the geographic location. Studying to be a master welder is not a guarantee of employment.

Training to be a Welder in Kingsland, Georgia

Training to be a Welder in Kingsland, Georgia

Is an Associate’s Degree in Welding Right for Me?

When you earn an associate’s degree from a Kingsland welder school, you will be preparing for a job in a variety of settings in the manufacturing industry. In your degree program, you will learn the basics of welding, welding techniques, and technical math. When you complete your degree, you will have skills to obtain an entry-level position as a welder.

If you enjoy working with your hands in a manufacturing or construction setting, a Kingsland welding career may be an enjoyable educational and career choice for you. Welders often work multiple and different shifts, as many manufacturing operations offer two or three shifts per day. Workers needing flexibility in scheduling may find welding an appealing choice. Additionally, welding is a very physical occupation, and students considering a Kingsland welding career should be able to lift heavy objects and work while standing, bending, or stooping.

Associate’s Degree in Welding

Associates degree programs in welding usually have several educational requirements. In addition to taking classes in basic reading, mathematics and language skills, you will likely be required to take classes in basic arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding and gas tungsten arc gas welding. You will also be required to take safety regulation classes, and some programs offer certificates that certify you as having knowledge of OSHA safety regulations. Some programs also offer certification with the American Welding Society upon completion of your degree. If you are pursuing a Kingsland welding career, your associate’s degree, along with the appropriate certifications, can help you to get a job.

Employment Outlook for Welders

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the welding industry is projected to stay stable until at least 2018, but may experience a slight decline due to increased automation in manufacturing plants. Additionally, because the basic skills of welding remain the same across manufacturing industries, welders who are laid off should be able to shift to another job, even if it is in a different industry. Since welders who are trained in the latest technologies are in higher demand, students should ensure that the Kingsland welder school they enroll in trains them on those technologies.

Training to be a Welder in Gainesville, Florida

Training to be a Welder in Gainesville, Florida

If you are considering a Gainesville welding career you should consider obtaining an Associate's Degree before looking for employment. A Gainesville welding Associate's Degree will allow you to find better paying employment because your skill level will be higher than an on-the-job trained welder.

Welders are one of the most necessary jobs in all of the construction trades. Buildings, bridges and even roads cannot be constructed without a welder to build the frames. Equipment used to construct other objects is first made by a welder. Welding is a profession that will not disappear, even as technology accelerates.

What Will I Gain From Taking Gainesville Welding Courses?

A Gainesville welding Associate's degree will give you all the knowledge and training necessary to be a well rounded welder. You will learn the different types of welding styles such as arc welding or stick welding, and you will learn about the different types of metals that can be bound by this process.

To pursue your Gainesville welding career you will need to know the different types of gases that are used and how to properly mix and regulate them. Welders must be very careful that they are knowledgeable about the proper ways to use these flammable products.

You will gain trade-specific knowledge with your Gainesville welding courses, such as blueprint reading and interpreting welding symbols. You will also learn about the other equipment often used in the trade.

What Does The Future Hold For Welders?

Welding is one career that you do not have to worry about the recession hitting, or that it will become a “dated” profession. As long as things need to be built, there will be a need for welders. Welding is a profession that can almost guarantee steady work, something that not many professions can promise.

If you train to become a welder in Gainesville you will be pleased with the outcome. As in any profession, a person with a degree will always make a higher wage. Welders with a degree can look forward to advancement within their companies. Many companies have begun to hire welding inspectors as a way to provide quality assurance. These inspectors make very respectable wages. However, all welding inspectors are required to hold an Associate's Degree or higher in welding to be considered for the position.

Why Should Women Consider a Career in Welding?

Though not a traditional field most women have chosen, welding is a great field for a woman who like to work with her hands and be creative using a variety of metals.

Why is Welding a Good Career Option for Women?

Women in welding basically have the job of adjoining any two metals; be it two pipes, steel beams or other objects. Many plants and factories are in need of welders. Many women like welding because traveling is often involved, such as in construction jobs. Also, work is often varied, making for an interesting and constantly changing career.

Welding is also a good paying and solid career. According to recent data, the average income for welders is about $39,000. Individual salary will depend on the job, the experience level of the welder and geographic location.

What Skills Do Women Bring to the Table?

As many women naturally pay attention to detail, have a steady arm and are meticulous in their work welding can be a great career choice for them. Women in welding need to generally be in good physical condition and have good dexterity. Women are also known to have more patience, and great motor skills making them often some of the best welders.

What is the Outlook for Welding Careers?

The need for welders is not expected to go down in the near future. Both newly trained and experienced welders should be able to find work. Although automation in some areas has caused a decline in available jobs, welders are still needed to adjust welds, operate the welding machinery and make other necessary adjustments.

However, many welding job responsibilities simply cannot be automated; a professional welder is often absolutely necessary. Such welding duties may include: factory repairs, construction work and making small batches of items, among other necessary job skills.

Welding Schools for Women

Welding courses for women can be found in various locations. Many community colleges and other institutions offer extensive training in welding, some being specifically designed for welding or specifically designed for women.

After completing formal training, which may include an Associate's degree in welding institutions will often help you find a suitable company for you to enroll in an apprenticeship. Through the apprenticeship program, you will receive much more hands on training and experience, while getting paid. Apprenticeships often can last for up to 3-4 years. After finishing the apprenticeship, women welders can become certified by passing the AWS exam. For women interested in this skilled trade, a welding career may offer a great future.

How the GI Bill Changed After 9/11

How the GI Bill Changed After 9/11

In 2008 the new post 9/11 GI Bill was signed into law. The new bill went into effect on August 1, 2009 and offers new educational benefits for military veterans. The benefits are provided to servicemen who served on active duty for 90 days or more after September 10, 2001.

The post-9/11 benefits are tiered based on the amount of time spent in active duty after 9/11. The new educational benefits include up to 100% tuition and fee coverage. If eligible, the VA will pay tuition and fees directly to the student's school. The tuition and fee payments are capped at the highest tuition and fee rates at a state operated college or university.

Post 9/11 GI Bill Housing Stipend

Eligible veterans also have the ability to receive a housing stipend as they pursue their post-Military education. The stipend is based on the school’s zip code. Payments average around $1,200 a month, but can go as high as $2,700 a month. Students are not required to live on campus to receive benefits.

The new benefits include a book stipend of up to $1,000 for veteran members or members of the Guard and Selected Reserve. The payment is made at the beginning of the term and the amount paid depends on the number of credit hours taken. Active members are not eligible for this stipend.

One-time Relocation Allowance

There is also a one-time relocation allowance included in the new bill. Eligible veterans receive a $500 payment to help them move from a rural area to attend school. There are specific requirements that must be met in order to qualify for this benefit. Candidates must reside in a county with 6 persons or less per square mile. Students must either physically relocate 500 miles to attend school, or travel by air to physically attend school if no transportation by land is available.

Individuals who have served 6 years after August 1, 2009 and have signed up for 4 more years of active duty have the ability to transfer benefits to their spouse. Eligible members can transfer benefits to their dependents after they have reached their 10 year anniversary.

Veterans who are eligible can receive up to $2,000 for a certification or licensing exam, work-study programs, and $100 a month for tutorial assistance.

The post-9/11 GI Bill and other veterans scholarships offers eligible veterans more flexibility and enables them to reach their educational goals. Many individuals have taken advantage of the new benefits and more are likely to in the future.

Different Welding Techniques – An Overview

Different Welding Techniques – An Overview

Welding is simply the process of joining metals together by using a heating mechanism. The Egyptians welded iron during the Iron Age around 1000 BC. There are various types of welding processes and many techniques that are used today to mend iron and other metals together. Welding is a skilled trade, and for those considering a career in welding, a welder degree may be the best option for proper training and career placement. There are many techniques for welding using various technologies, but we will briefly examine three welding techniques; manual, semi-automatic, and automatic.

Manual Welding

First, manual welding is done mostly by hand and with the assistance of an electrode. This is the most common welding technique and it is also the oldest. During this procedure, you use the electrode and an electrode holder to weld the metals together. Arc welding is a common type of manual welding in which heat and the electrode is used to join the metals together.

Semi-Automatic Welding

Next, semi-automatic welding is a relatively new technique that is gaining popularity among many operators and welding training specialists. In this method of welding, the electrode is motor-driven and it set at speed to help the operator complete the welding task. Advanced techniques in welding technology can be found at your local vocational or trade school. Interview a welding instructor and you will get key information about the best techniques to use while working.

Automatic Welding

In automatic welding, the electrode is automatically placed along the metal joint to do the welding for the operator. Simply put, there are machines that will do Gas Metal Arc welding, Gas Tungsten welding, MIG, TIG and various other types of welding. Automatic welding processes are used to seal oil lines, gas lines, and water lines.

There are additional types of welding such as Electroslag, Flax- Core, Conventional, Pulsed, Plasma, Sheiled, or Submerged. There are many ways to operate and use welding machines and equipment.

There are many techniques that are used in welding and processes change as new products and inventions are brought to the market. A good welding school will be on top of the latest welding techniques and will be able to provide prospective students with information on the job market for skilled welders. As technology changes, the welding industry changes with it; adapting and developing stronger, more efficient welding techniques no matter the physical or economic conditions of the job.

For those exploring attending welder school, the industry provides a variety of career options around the world.

Latest Advances in Modern Welding Techniques

Latest Advances in Modern Welding Techniques

Welding is the sculptural process that joins metals or thermoplastics by causing coalescence using techniques such as forge welding, arch welding, torch welding, etc., forming a strong cohesive bond between pieces. This is achieved by melting the workpieces with heat and pressure and including filler material to form a weld pool that cools to become a strong joint to produce the weld. Energy sources such as gas flame, laser, electron beam, ultrasound, friction are utilized in industries that weld in various environments. Because so many industries utilize welding in their everyday work, welder training has become more popular for those looking for a challenging career.

After WWII, many welding techniques such as shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, submerged arc welding and electro-slag welding came to the aid of manufacturing sector. Later years witnessed the development of laser beam welding, electron beam welding and most recently, robot welding. However, the world of welding is changing rapidly, becoming more advanced as the trend towards adapting high technologies and sustainable values in this field continue to be an essential strategy. Many industries such as government, energy, aerospace, automotive, chemical, electronics, manufacturing and medical industries where welding takes on crucial role are depending on more sophisticated methods to cope up with the demand. Because of this high demand, many job seekers are looking toward a welding career to take advantage of the multiple opportunities available.

New Trends in Advanced Welding Techniques

Below are some advanced welding techniques that might help address and replace the shortcomings of conventional types of welding.

Hybrid Laser Arc Welding: Combines the advantages of laser welding and gas metal arc welding and unlike the commonly used arc welding, this method carries out the penetration of metals deeply with a high power of 15kW at higher speeds along with the advantage of low heat input and less filler metal usage. High-speed video, non-destructive evaluation and mechanical testing are put to action to assess process stability, weld integrity and properties.

Friction Stir Welding of Hard Metals: FSW provides negligible distortion, low maintenance cost, little weld shrinkage, consistency throughout the process and automatic operation. Being proved to be highly efficient in welding thick sections of around 1.5in of aluminum alloys with a single pass, this technique is a savior for hard metals like steel, titanium and nickel-base alloys.

Resistance Weld technique uses electrical current coupled with force that heats the joint to be repaired or welded. Welding can be done on any part of the metals and unlike manual arc welding, this method automatically checks welding quality.

Additive Manufacturing technique: One unique capability being developed in which high power ultrasonic additive system deposits successive layers of strip materials using a solid-state welding process to produce net-shapes to optimize processing procedures.

There are many welding courses that can get interested job seekers on the road to a challenging career in this ever-evolving industry.