Ready to gain practical skills in welding to start a rewarding job as a trade professional? Welders are in demand. With an increased need for trade professionals, now is the time to become a combination welder. Let Tidewater Tech build the practical skills needed for this rewarding trade. So, what is combination welding?
What is Combination Welding?
Combination Welding is a specialized skill set that involves mastering multiple welding techniques to handle a variety of materials, joint types, and industry needs. Welders trained in combination welding are proficient in several techniques, including:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW, stick welding) – a manual welding process that uses a consumable electrode coated with flux. The electrode creates an electric arc with the base metal, generating heat to melt the metal and electrode, forming a weld. The flux coating produces a shielding gas and slag to protect the weld from atmospheric contamination, ensuring strength and durability. SMAW is widely used for its simplicity, versatility, and ability to weld various metals in different positions.
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW or MIG) – a welding process that uses a continuous wire electrode and a shielding gas (typically argon or a mix of gases) to create and protect the weld from contamination. It is known for its efficiency, ease of use, and suitability for various metals and applications.
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW or TIG) – a precise welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert shielding gas, like argon, to protect the weld. It is ideal for high-quality, detailed work on metals like aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) – a welding process that uses a tubular wire filled with flux as the electrode. The flux provides shielding, sometimes eliminating the need for external gas, allowing it to be used in outdoor or high-production environments. It is good for thick materials and heavy-duty applications.
This versatility allows combination welders to adapt to different welding equipment and applications in construction, manufacturing, or aviation maintenance. Combination welders must understand the properties of metals, the science of heat and electricity, and the importance of precision to produce strong and durable welds.
What are the Practical Skills of a Combination Welder?
In addition to the welding techniques learned in the Combination Welding program at
Tidewater Tech, students build practical skills to help them on the job. These skills include:
Welding Positions
Learning welding positions is essential because different projects require welds to be performed in various orientations, such as flat, horizontal, vertical, or overhead. Mastery of these positions can weld in any situation, increasing their versatility.
Welding Materials
Learning about welding materials is important because different metals and alloys have unique properties, such as melting points and thermal conductivity. Understanding welding materials ensures proper technique, material compatibility, and high-quality, durable welds for every application.
Precision
Precision in welding creates strong, accurate, and defect-free joints. It enhances safety, improves the durability of structures, reduces material waste, and creates high-quality welds.
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail in welding is crucial for creating accurate, strong, and aesthetically pleasing welds. It ensures safety, prevents defects, meets industry standards, and increases the longevity of welded structures.
Safety Protocol
Safety protocols in welding help prevent injuries, protect against hazards like burns, fumes, and electric shock, and create a safe working environment. They safeguard both welders and create a safe working environment.
What Does Tidewater Tech’s Combination Welding Program Offer?
Tidewater Tech’s Combination Welding Program offers a comprehensive curriculum that teaches students with the skills needed for success as a combination welder. The program focuses on practical and theoretical knowledge. It provides training in multiple welding techniques, and students learn essential skills like interpreting blueprints, understanding welding safety protocols, and working with different metals and materials.
Tidewater Tech’s Combination Welding Program allows students to complete their training in a quicker timeframe, allowing them to enter the workforce quickly. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice, allowing students to gain foundational knowledge and hands-on experience. By the end of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue entry-level welding positions or advance in their chosen industry, making Tidewater Tech an excellent choice for aspiring welders.
The Combination Welding program at Tidewater Tech also prepares students for certification in EPA’s Section 608 certification and with the American Welding Society (AWS). Obtaining certification is crucial for career advancement as it validates a welder’s skills, ensures compliance with industry standards, enhances credibility, and increases welding job opportunities and earning potential.
What Entry-Level Jobs Are Available to Welding Program Graduates?
Graduates of welding programs have various entry-level welding job opportunities. They include:
Job #1: Pipe Welder
Pipe welders specialize in joining and repairing pipes that move liquids, gases, or chemicals. They work in industries like oil and gas, water utilities, and power plants. Pipe welding requires precision and the ability to work with different materials and positions.
Job #2: Structural Welder
Structural welding focuses on fabricating and assembling steel structures, such as buildings, bridges, and towers. They work on-site or in fabrication shops, making sure critical structures are safe and stable.
Job #3: Underwater Welder
Underwater welders perform welding tasks below the water’s surface, often on ships, offshore oil rigs, or underwater pipelines. This highly specialized role combines welding expertise with commercial diving skills, offering unique challenges.
Job #4: Fabrication Welder
Fabrication welders create metal products and components in manufacturing and aviation maintenance. They read blueprints, cut and shape materials, and assemble parts to meet design specifications.
Final Thoughts
Continuous learning and skill enhancement are important for combination welders to stay competitive in today’s workforce. In welding and other technical fields, technological advancements, materials, and techniques require professionals to continuously update their knowledge. By pursuing ongoing education and certifications, welders can:
- Stay Current: Keep up with industry trends, new tools, and technologies, ensuring their skills remain relevant.
- Enhance Opportunities: Master new techniques to gain access to advanced roles, higher pay, and specialized career paths.
- Improve Quality: Achieve greater precision, efficiency, and safety in their work.
- Boost Job Security: Adaptability to industry changes reduces the risk of becoming obsolete in the workforce.
Begin Your Combination Welding Journey at Tidewater Tech Today
Now that you know how to set yourself up for success with welding training, it is time to learn more about Tidewater Tech’s Combination Welding training program. Enjoy the experienced faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and welding job placement assistance that will get you started as a combination welder.
Contact us today to learn more about welding training.
