Becoming a welder typically starts with a technical school program or apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about 6 to 18 months, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The American Welding Society reports approximately 771,000 welders nationwide, with a significant demand for new welders due to the aging workforce. In Covington, LA, welders can earn an average of $1,900 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $56,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and diverse specialization opportunities.
Job Purpose: Fit and weld metal components to assemble structural forms using knowledge of advanced welding techniques per AWS D1.1 Essential Functions • Lay out, position and secure parts and assemblies according to specifications and using appropriate tools/devices. • Tack-weld or weld components and assemblies using welding equipment. • Cut workpiece using powered saw, hand torch, track torch, bevel machine and grinder. • Observe tests on welded surfaces to evaluate weld quality and conformance to specifications. • Inspect grooves, angles or gap allowances using appropriate measuring instruments. • Remove rough spots from workpiece using portable grinder, hand file or scraper. • Weld components in flat, vertical or overhead positions. • Heat, form and dress metal parts using hand tools, torch or arc welding equipment. • Ignite torch and adjust valves, amperage or voltage to obtain desired flame or arc. • Analyze engineering drawings and specifications to plan layout, assembly and welding operations. • Develop templates and other work aids to hold and align parts. • Determine required equipment and welding method, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry and welding techniques. • Confer with Welding Foreman, Production Manager and/or Quality Assurance Director regarding any issues. • Ensure compliance with Techcrane Quality Management System. • Maintain shop cleanliness and organization. • Wear personal protective equipment. • Control non-conforming product Qualifications • Must have 2-6 years’ experience in field • High school diploma or equivalent or technical certificate, OR • At least three years’ experience in heavy structural fabrication preferred. • Experienced with welding practices and symbology per AWS D1.1. • Able to read and interpret fabrication drawings. • Proficient in fabrication and welding of structural steel components with minimal assistance. • Proficient in gouging steel components and making 100% UT and MT welds. • Must have reliable transportation for service calls as needed. Physical and Mental Demands • Regularly required to walk, stand, kneel, bend, squat, stretch, twist or reach with body, arms and/or legs. • Use hands to handle or operate tools and equipment; grasp, manipulate or assemble objects; make fast, simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands and wrists. • Keep hand and arm steady while moving arm or while holding arm and hand in one position. • Able to see at close range. • Ability to visualize. • Able to talk and hear. • Able to climb or balance; work at heights. • Operate forklift or other production equipment. Approximate Weight Suggested Height/ Distance 18 + lbs (Plate clamps) Chest height, carried as far as 50' 33 lbs (Fluxcore wire) Over the shoulder, carried as far as 100' 40 + lbs (Welding suitcases) Knee height, carried as far as 5' 50 + lbs (Oxygen/mixed gas bottles) Ankle height, pushed on dolly .5 to 70 lbs (Plates) Ground to 4' height, carried as far as 20' Proper safe lifting practices should always be observed by every team member. Work Environment • Will spend majority of time in welding shop. • Noise level will range from moderate to very loud. • May involve hazardous materials, fumes, moving parts/equipment, electrical shock risk, extreme heat (welding) and extreme cold (liquid nitrogen). • Severe hot weather is likely; severe cold weather is possible. QMS Requirements • 008-SOP-002, 008-SOP-012, 008-SOP-013, 008-SOP-014, 008-SOP-016, 008-SOP-017, 008-SOP-018, 008-SOP-019, 008-SOP-021, 008-SOP-025, 008-SOP-026
See More Details >>Experienced Welder – Precision, Strength, and Craftsmanship! Staffmark is hiring an Experienced Welder in Covington, LA, for a family-owned custom fabrication company. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside highly skilled professionals in a hands-on environment. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of welding experience and is proficient in MIG, TIG, and STICK welding across materials like steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Apply today to join a team that values expertise and quality craftsmanship! Employment Type: Temp-to-Hire Pay Rate: $25-$30 per hour (DOE) Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Key Responsibilities • Weld various components using MIG, TIG, and STICK techniques. • Fabricate and fit custom parts according to specifications. • Utilize fixtures and follow work instructions as directed by supervisors. • Operate a sandblaster as needed. • Examine workpieces for defects and measure for accuracy. • Provide feedback to engineering and supervision to support continuous improvement. • Maintain a high standard of quality, producing visually appealing and colorless welds. • Stay open to learning new welding methods and design adjustments for custom builds. • Handle a demanding workload with a mix of high and low-volume production. • Weld fixtures for layout and fabrication. Why Join Us? We offer weekly pay, medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, 401k, short-term disability, employee discounts, referral bonus potential, and more! This temp-to-hire role is an exciting opportunity to work for a family-owned company with a strong reputation supported by highly skilled professionals offering opportunities for long-term career growth. Qualifications & Requirements • 5+ years of welding experience in a skilled fabrication environment. • Expertise in MIG, TIG, and STICK welding techniques. • Experience working with steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. • Must be quality-conscious, detail-oriented, and able to work in a fast-paced, high-mix/high-volume production setting. Apply Today! This is a great opportunity for an experienced welder looking to apply their skills in a highly specialized, hands-on environment. If you are passionate about welding and custom fabrication, click “Apply Now”! Job Number: 1891777 Zip Code: 70433
See More Details >>Welder/Fabricator A local North Hammond company is searching for a Welder/Fabricator! You should have experience in using electrical or manual tools. Must demonstrate that you are a proficient Tig and Mig welder and able to interpret and read basic blueprints. This is a full-time position M-F and occasional Saturday. $19-$24/hr Job highlights: • Potential for growth, typical package benefits What we look for: • Willingness to gain industry training and skills • Experience in maintaining a safe workspace • One or more years in a comparable job role Apply online or at our office: Express can help you find the job that is a good fit for your needs and abilities, and you’ll never pay a fee for our services and support. Three Ways To Apply: (choose one) • Resumes may be emailed to [email protected] • Call our office: 985-809-9696 • Visit our office: 100 Louis Prima Dr. Covington, LA
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