• Strictly adhere to all safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like helmets, gloves, and fire-resistant clothing. • Operate and maintain torches, grinders, saws, and other power and manual tools used for cutting, shaping, and finishing metal. • Inspect their work to ensure high quality and structural integrity. • Welders work in a variety of environments, including manufacturing plants, construction sites, and repair shops. • The job can involve working outdoors in various weather conditions, at heights on scaffolding, or in confined spaces. • The work is physically demanding and can involve high heat, noise, and fumes. Welders must be prepared to stand, kneel, climb, and lift heavy equipment regularly. • Pre-employment drug/alcohol screening as well as ongoing random drug screening • Drivers License Proven experience as a welder with proficiency in various welding techniques (MIG, TIG, etc.). • Strong manual dexterity and excellent hand-eye coordination for precision work. • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings. • Physical strength and stamina to lift heavy materials, stand for long periods, and work in awkward positions. • Attention to detail to ensure the quality and integrity of finished products. • Problem-solving abilities to identify and resolve issues that arise during the welding process.
See More Details >>• Material Handling: • Load, unload, and move metal pieces, pipes, and other workpieces to the work area. • Tool and Equipment Maintenance: Handle, clean, and maintain welding equipment, ensuring it's in proper working condition. • Workpiece Preparation: Clean metal pieces by removing impurities like rust and slag using brushes, grinders, or other tools. • Physical Assistance: Hold or secure workpieces, tools, and materials in place as directed by the welder. • Basic Tool Operation: Operate hand tools and power tools, such as grinders, to cut, polish, or prepare materials for welding. • Reading and Interpretation: Assist in reading and interpreting blueprints and drawings to understand project specifications and material requirements. • Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all relevant safety procedures and protocols, identify potential hazards, and ensure a safe working environment. • Material and Equipment Preparation: Prepare work areas, tools, and materials for welding jobs, which includes cleaning and organizing the space. While a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred, experience and on-the-job training are highly valued. Key qualifications include: • Physical fitness: The ability to lift heavy objects, perform strenuous physical labor, and stand for long periods. • Safety awareness: A sharp eye for safety hazards and the ability to follow all safety procedures and regulations. • Teamwork and communication: The ability to work closely and communicate effectively with welders and other team members. • Mechanical aptitude: Basic familiarity with various tools and mechanical processes. • Attention to detail: An organized approach and strong attention to detail to ensure materials and equipment are properly prepared and maintained. • Technical knowledge: A basic understanding of different types of metals and welding procedures is a plus.
See More Details >>• Reading and understanding blueprints, sketches, schematics, and work orders to understand project requirements and dimensions. • Material preparation:Cutting, cleaning, and preparing metal surfaces for welding. • Welding and fabrication:Using various welding equipment (MIG, ARC, etc.) to fuse, join, and assemble metal parts into structures and products. • Quality assurance:Inspecting welds and components to ensure they meet quality standards, specifications, and project requirements. • Equipment operation:Operating welding machines, torches, power supplies, and other hand and power tools used in the fabrication process. Required Skills and Qualities • Technical proficiency:Expertise in various welding techniques and the ability to operate different types of welding equipment. • Attention to detail:A strong focus on precision for aligning and positioning metal pieces before welding and for assessing weld quality. • Physical stamina:The ability to stand for long periods, lift heavy materials, and work in various positions (vertical, horizontal, overhead). • Safety awareness:Strict adherence to all safety procedures and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). • Mechanical knowledge:Understanding of metal fabrication processes and the ability to perform minor maintenance on equipment. • Communication:Ability to collaborate with team members and follow instructions, whether written or oral.
See More Details >>Becoming a welder typically starts with technical training, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Training programs last about 6 to 18 months, depending on the level of certification. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 402,333 welders nationwide, with projections indicating a need for 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029. Welders in Enid, OK, earn an average of $1,000 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $50,000 annually. Trade schools, community colleges, and welding associations help aspiring welders find training opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and diverse specialization options.
