If you know the most common way to permanently join metal parts, then you know something about the practice of welding. In this process, heat is applied to pieces of metal, melting and then fusing them to form a permanent bond.

If you enjoy work such as this, you might want to forge your own bond with the techniques employed by welders. If you are considering a career in this trade, it is important to understand what welding schools are available and what these welding schools can offer you in preparation for your new career.

For the most part, formal training can be obtained in high school. Welding schools are also found in the curriculum of vocational-technical schools, community colleges, and there are also some private welding schools. You can even obtain training in welding schools in the US Armed Forces.

Before heading to the job site, you have to learn and understand a wealth of trade skills. Welding schools offer courses such as blueprint reading, shop mathematics, mechanical drawing, physics, and metallurgy. Welding schools should also offer you the opportunity to explore computer training and concepts of electricity. Once you have graduated from one of the welding schools, you can choose from over 80 different welding processes.

Some jobs are performed by hand, and such work is controlled solely by the welder. Other jobs are done with machinery, such as a wire feeder, to conduct the welding tasks. Some welding jobs require a general certification in welding that can be earned through attending classes at welding schools. Many welding schools offer the American Welding Society certification courses.

Outside of the certification earned at these welding schools, some employers also choose to develop their own certification tests.

Have a Keen Eye on Your Welding Future
As one who performs welding for a living, it is important that your vision is sharp and that you can employ good eye-hand coordination. Manual dexterity is also valuable. You need to have strong concentration skills and be comfortable with detailed work.

From a physical standpoint, you should be comfortable when working for long periods of time in some awkward positions that require you to bend or stoop. Once you have acquired the basic welding skills and wish to advance within this profession, you can gain additional training and experience by becoming a supervisor, inspector, or even an instructor of the welding process. It is not unusual for graduates of welding schools to open up their own repair shops. Those individuals who advance from the trade welding schools to obtain a bachelor’s degree have the opportunity to become welding engineers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders accounted for about 462,000 jobs in 2006. Two-thirds of those jobs were found in the manufacturing arenas. While the job opportunities are expected to grow at a slower rate than other trades, welding has recognized long-term growth as a result of advances that have seen the art of welding replace other joining technologies in a host of applications.

Trade welders usually work for an hourly wage. At a per-hour rate, welders today can expect to earn anywhere from $10.08 to $22.50. If you have a desire to “bond” with your profession, then perhaps you should consider a job in this “strong” field.