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. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 402,333 welders nationwide, with projections indicating a 2-3% job growth from 2025. In Fort Wayne, IN, welders earn an average of $657.67 per week, with an annual overtime average of $34,195. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $45,000 annually for experienced professionals.
Summary : Welds metal component parts of various thicknesses to specified dimensions on simple jobs by performing the following duties Essential Duties: Plans job by determining from the router and blueprints, equipment, fixtures, material and supplies needed. Plans sequence to maximize weld time. Sets up job by retrieving equipment and materials as needed. Loads and unloads pieces in and out of fixture (when available) manually or by using an overhead crane or hand fits parts. Positions and clamps pieces into fixture. Operates mig welding machine and may also perform arc welding procedures. Finishes or repairs part by operating various tools such as sanders, grinders, and torches. Performs first piece and in-process inspection by checking dimensions and quality of welds of part per blueprint using calipers, height gage, protractor, and square. Performs routine preventative maintenance and minor repairs on welding machines as required. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education & Experience : High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and one year of mig welding experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education and experience, basic blueprint knowledge, and ability to pass weld test are required. Language Skills : Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to speak effectively with employees of the organization. Math Skills : Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Reasoning Skills : Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations Physical Demands : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch, bend forward at waist; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment : The work environment characteristics scribed here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat, and risk of radiation. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud This is a non-management position This is a full time position
See More Details >>SUMMARY: Lays out, burns and fits, assembles, and welds fabricated, cast, and structural steel components and structural forms such as guards, chutes, baffles, back sheets, and other miscellaneous components, following blueprints and other written and verbal specifications, by performing the following duties. DUTIES: • Selects equipment and plans layout, welding, and assembly • Lays out, positions, aligns, and fits components together • Will need to determine if parts are Left Hand or Right Hand based on blueprints • Bolts, clamps, and tack-welds parts to secure in position for welding • Sets up equipment and welds parts, using arc, gas-shielded arc, submerged arc, or gas welding equipment • Assembles parts by bolting. May set up and test equipment • May also perform all functions of an Assembler • Repairs products by dismantling, straightening, reshaping, and reassembling parts • Operates, magnetic drills, grinders, reamers, torch cutting and impacts as necessary • Will assist in other areas as needed QUALIFICATIONS: • Must be able to read a tape measure and prints • Must be able to read and understand a square and protractor • Must be proactive and a self-starter • Must have good attendance • Must be able to work overtime • Must work well with others Deister offers a competitive wags and a benefits package that includes paid vacation, vision, dental, medical and employer contributions to 401k. We also offer up to 2 days paid time off for employees who can maintain perfect attendance!
See More Details >>Job Title: WELDER/ASSEMBLER Department: ASSEMBLY WELD Reports To: ASSEMBLY WELD FOREMAN SUB-ASSEMBLY PLANT FOREMAN SUMMARY Lays out, burns and fits, assembles, and welds fabricated, cast, and structural steel components and structural forms such as guards, chutes, baffles, back sheets, and other misc components, following blueprints and other written and verbal specifications, by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Adhere to all ISO requirements as stated in the Management Systems Procedures Manual. Safety glasses, steel toed shoes, and hearing protection required at all times. Welding hood in the proper position at all times while welding. Grinding shield in the proper position at all times while grinding. *Respirator must be worn properly at all times while welding with galvanized or manganese components. Must be certified annually. Selects equipment and plans layout, welding, and assembly. Lays out, positions, aligns, and fits components together. Bolts, clamps, and tack-welds parts to secure in position for welding. Sets up equipment and welds parts, using arc, gas-shielded arc, submerged arc, or gas welding equipment. Assembles parts by bolting. May set up and test equipment. May also perform all functions of an Assembler Repairs products by dismantling, straightening, reshaping, and reassembling parts. Operates, magnetic drills, grinders, reamers, and impacts as necessary. QUALIFICATIONS Must be able to read tape measure and blue prints. Must be able to operate all torches and grinders. Must pass Deister Machine Company physical weld test. *Must be clean shaven at all times to ensure proper fit of respirator EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred, but not required; two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to other employees of the organization. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as lengths, percentages, area and circumference. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. REASONING ABILITY Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb or balance, and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision. Constant or regularly means greater than 150 times per day, frequently means 33-150 times per day, occasionally means 4-32 times, and infrequently is less than 4 times daily. WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
See More Details >>