We have already touched upon the lack of information and misconceptions that may be preventing some young people from looking at welding as a career, as well as the ageing workforce that is creating a skills vacuum as more skilled welders retire.
In addition, there is an increasing number of projects across industry that are creating steady job opportunities in welding. Many industries are seeing technological breakthroughs that are causing them to grow, yet many of them still require metal fabrication, materials knowledge and joining. This need is creating job openings in a range of sectors.
With welders being in demand, it would seem to be a great career path to follow, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of working in welding, so we can evaluate if it is a good career or not…
There are a number of positive reasons to consider a career in welding, including:
1. Easy to Enter:
You don’t need any formal education or experience to start your journey to becoming a certified welder. Ways to enter the profession include taking an entry-level position and being trained by a master welder, starting an apprenticeship in welding or via a high school vocational programme, technical school or welding school. These routes lead to certification and can include training in number of specialised areas related to certain industries, such as food service or aerospace.
2. Job Security:
The current demand for welders in a range of areas means that the profession has a good level of job security. In fact, theUnited States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be growth in the field over the coming years, meaning even more opportunities for skilled welders. As a profession, welding is relatively unaffected by financial of social circumstances as there is always a need for welding in areas such as manufacturing, construction, transport and infrastructure.
3. A Range of Job Opportunities:
As mentioned above, welders are required for a range of different sectors, allowing you to work for different organisations and industries as well as the possibility of working freelance.Some welders earn extra money by setting up their own part-time welding service, undertake contract work on the side or even manufacture their own products.
4. Income:
The average salary for welders in the UK stands at about £29,000 per year according to checkasalary.co.uk, although it is possible to earn much more than this, with the highest paying welding jobs offering two or three times as much. As with most professions, welders earn more as their experience increases.
5. Career Advancement:
The demand for welders means that there are opportunities to advance your career in welding, becoming a manager and overseeing other welders, for example.
6. Diverse Opportunities:
Welding is a diverse profession with a range of techniques to master, such as gas metal arc welding or shielded metal arc welding, as well as a range of different working environments. You may also have the chance to work with people from different backgrounds and perspectives that can be rewarding in itself. While the techniques you use may stay the same as you master them, the working environments and projects can provide the diversity within your career, keeping things interesting for you.
7. Specialisation:
While there are many different job opportunities on offer, welding can also the chance to specialise in a particular industry or approach. Maybe you want to become an expert in a certain type of welding or industry sector, further increasing your expertise and employability in these areas.
8. Travel:
Pursuing a career in welding can also offer the ability to travel with your work. Welders are needed for different projects all around the world, giving you the chance to see different countries and meet a wide range of different people, not to mention potentially earning higher wages in foreign countries.
9. Working Hours:
Most welding jobs take place on a regular 9-5 type shift pattern, although you can have more varied work hours as a freelance welder.
10. Creativity:
As a manual skill, welding can provide a level of creativity. It may require planning or problem solving for some tasks, while others may require you to create original products. This creative aspect can also provide job satisfaction for a job done well or a challenge overcome, not to mention the simple pleasure of creating a strong and attractive-looking weld.
11. A Unique Skillset:
Welding skills can be used outside of the workplace to save you money, for example, if you need to repair items around the home or on your car. The skills you learn as a welder can also be transferred to other careers, meaning that you can transfer to another more easily should you decide to.
We have seen the many benefits associated with a career in welding but, as with all professions, there are a few challenges to bear in mind too…
1. Danger:
Welding can be a dangerous profession, meaning that health and safety are important. Improvements in equipment and safety standards over the years have lessened the hazardous nature of the job, but it can never be fully eliminated. Using electricity and heat has its own inherent dangers, while tools like grinders, gas torches, and saws can also cause injury if not used correctly. Some people thrive in these working conditions and some types of welding are more dangerous than others, such as underwater welding, which is a challenge in itself, but also tends to offer higher rates of pay as a result.
2. Working Environment:
As mentioned above, safety is vital for the welding industry, but welding jobs may also need to be done outdoors in challenging weather. While most companies will halt work during particularly bad weather or through some seasons, welders will often still have to cope with some adverse conditions from time to time.
3. Long Hours:
While many employers work on a 9-5 basis, there may be times when longer working days or overtime is required to complete a project on time. There may also be instances where vital repairs are required out of hours, while travel to different sites can also be time-consuming. Of course, extra hours means extra pay, so it is not all negative.
4. Physical Work:
Welding is not ideal for people who would prefer to work in an office. It is physical work that can sometimes mean working in enclosed spaces, but the time spent here can be minimised through proper planning. You may need to climb over objects or up to places where the welding is needed and there can also be the need for some lifting and other physical activity. Of course, some people relish this type of work, but it is not ideal for those who prefer a less physical working life.
5. Dirty Work:
Not all types of welding mean working in dirty environments, but some certainly do. Of course, wearing gloves and other PPE can help prevent you from getting dirty while on the job, but there is definitely a good chance that you will need to have a thorough wash after work as a welder.
6. Mastering the Skills:
Some types of welding are easier than others, but it can take time to master the skills required. Patience and persistence are required to learn methods such as TIG welding, but there is a level of satisfaction to be gained as a result too.
An ageing workforce, a relative lack of young people entering the profession, and industry growth has led to welding becoming an in-demand profession. This all bodes well for those who are contemplating a career in welding.
As a career, welding does have its challenges, but there are also a lot of positives associated with welding as a career, including allowing for travel, being able to work in a diverse range of sectors, and the opportunity to earn a good wage.
Being able to learn on-the-job as a trainee or apprentice also means that accessing welding as a career is something that you can do with little or no prior experience.
Welding may not be for everyone, but it is a far more attractive profession than some may realise.