Important Job Skills for Welders

Important Job Skills for WeldersImportant Job Skills for WeldersDid you ever wonder how intricate metal designs are created, or how metal can be bonded to withstand incredible weight on bridges and skyscrapers? Working reliably with metal requires expert welders. As the construction industry worldwide continues to boom, welders are in demand. If you are interested in making welding a career, there are a number of skills to master. What Kind of Skills Do You Need to be a Welder? Welders study blueprints and calculate dimensions, and then use that information to join metal parts together. They often work inmanufacturingandconstruction. Welders help to build everything from ships to cars to planes to parts of buildings and other structures. While some welders get college degrees in their field, many just getcertified. Technically, certifications are not required either, but adding a certification to your resume is recommended. Some of the best welderswork as an apprenticefirst befor e launching their career. If youre a welder looking for work, show employers you can offer what they need by highlighting the right skills throughout the job process. Types of Welding Skills Mathematical Skills Since math skills help welders perform tasks more effectively, they can help job candidates stand out. Youll need to be able to calculate the dimensions to be welded, read blueprints, and gesangsknstler sketches. Math will also come in handy when you cut and trim metal objects to specific dimensions. Calculating DimensionsInterpreting SketchesReading BlueprintsSpatial ReasoningUnderstanding 2-D and 3-D Diagrams Attention to Detail Good welders need to pay attention to details. For example, they should be able to evaluate equipment for purchase. Theyll also need to clean grease or corrosion from parts and chip out holes, bubbles, and cracks prior to welding. They must perform work that requires minimal flaws. All of these tasks require attention to detail. Moreover , welders often work in somewhat dangerous environments. They, therefore, need to keep their workspace clean and safe. Maintaining Work AreasCutting and Trimming Metal Objects to DimensionsDetecting Changes in Molten Metal FlowsFollowing DirectionsIdentifying JointsPart and Material InspectionAdherence to Safety Standards Physical Abilities Your physical abilities can help make you more attractive to employers. Specifically, youll need to be able to lift, bend, twist, and stoop to put together or dismantle large objects such as automobiles and aircraft. Youll also need steady hands and grip to hold a torch in place for long periods of time. Physical EnduranceDepth PerceptionClose VisionHand-eye CoordinationLifting Considerable WeightManual DexteritySteady HandsWorking in Adverse Conditions Administrative Welding is a physical job, butadministrative tasksare part of the profession as well. Welders need to be able to document their work, have goodorganizationalskills, and main tain inventory, ordering more supplies when necessary. Welders also need to be able to plan and manage projects. This might involve working alone or working effectively with a team. Documenting WorkInventorying SuppliesMeeting DeadlinesOrganizationalPlanning ProjectsPrioritizingReliabilityTime ManagementTeamworkVerbalCommunicationWorking Independently Technology and Tools Welders should be able to clamp broken metal pieces together andmelt and apply solder along adjoining edges of work pieces. They should also be able to monitor the quality of welds and components, repair leaks, and use grinders or other metal finishers. Moreover, welders should be able to tischset up fixtures and machine tools and test coils for air leaks. In addition, welders should be able to use lifting and control devices, soldering irons, fillet and butt weld gauges, and hand tools. Welders should know how to operate a brazing torch, robotic welding equipment, and have proficiency with air carbon arc gougi ng. Given thattechnologyis constantly changing, its important that welders learn the new technology necessary to help them effectively do their jobs. Learning New TechnologiesBrazing TorchRobotic Welding EquipmentFixturesSetting Up Machine ToolsGrindersMetal FinishersLifting and Control DevicesFillet and Butt Weld GaugesHand ToolsSoldering Iron More Welding Skills Analytical SkillsComplianceManaging Work OrdersAssemblingClampingHeat TreatingBondingERP SoftwareTCP SoftwareMS ExcelPrecisionVisualizationFeeding Materials Through EquipmentPPE (Personal Protective Equipment)High NoiseWeld in Various Positions (Flat, Curved, Overhead, Vertical, etc.)EZ PipeDesignMechanical SkillsProject ManagementFabricate Metal ComponentsOxy-fuel WeldingArc WeldingConstructionConcentrationCustomer ServiceMetallurgy How to Make Your Skills Stand Out Add Relevant Skills to Your Resume In yourresume, you can include relevantskill wordsin yourresume summaryor in your Work History section.Highlight Skills in Your Cover Letter In yourcover letter, mention one or two skills that you have that are important to the job. For example, you might mention how you used your skills in blueprint reading to produce thousands of precisely made materials for an automobile manufacturing company.Use Skill Words in Your Job Interview You can expand upon your skills in yourinterviewas well. Provide anecdotes of times you have demonstrated some of the most important skills for the job.