Are you ready to become an entry-level welder and want to know how welding training sets you up for success? Welding training prepares you for the many projects you will manage and the techniques you use to be successful as a welder. And Tidewater Tech’s Welding program prepares you for this welding success with classroom lectures and hundreds of hands-on hours of training with industry standard equipment. When you complete welding training at Tidewater Tech, you have many options.
Industries Available to Welding Program Graduates
There are many industries that you can choose from when you graduate from the Welding program at Tidewater Tech. Which industry you choose is up to you. Plus, Tidewater Tech will help you find a job in that industry upon graduation. Here are some of the industries that are open to you when you complete your welding training program:
Construction
There are several roles that you can choose from in construction. They include:
- Structural Welder – be responsible for welding steel beams, columns and structural components for buildings and other infrastructure.
- Fabricator Welder – create metal parts and structures for use in construction projects. Cut, shape and weld metal in residential and commercial construction.
- Steel Erector Welder – be responsible for assembling steel frames and structures on construction sites.
Automotive
If you are passionate about transportation, you can use your new found welding skills in the following automotive roles:
- Automotive Production Welder – be involved in mass production where parts are automated and manually welded to vehicle’s frame, body and components.
- Body Shop Welder – focus on repairing and restoring vehicles with steel and aluminum.
- Custom Fabrication Welder – weld and fabricate automotive parts for performance vehicles, race cars and other custom components.
Manufacturing
As a manufacturing welder, you can contribute to the creation, assembly, and repair of products and structures. Some of the roles that are available to welders in manufacturing include:
- Custom Metal Fabrication – creation of prototypes for custom projects, for better design and functionality.
- Quality Control – inspecting welded joints for defects using non-destructive testing.
- Tool and Dye Welder – repair and fabricate tools, dies and molds used in the manufacturing process.
Welding Techniques You Learn During a Welding Program
During the Welding program at Tidewater Tech, you will learn many critical welding techniques that you can use in the industry of your choice. Here are the main welding techniques you will learn:
TIG
Also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), tig welding uses an arc welding process with non-consumable tungsten electrodes to create an arc and join metal together. The non-consumable tungsten electrode generates an electric arc which melts the base metal. An inert gas like argon or helium flows around the electrode to shield it from the atmosphere. A filler rod can be used for thicker metals or when stronger welds are needed.
MIG
Known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG) uses an arc, a continuous solid wire electrode to create a weld pool. The electrodes melt and join the metal together. An inert or semi-inert gas like argon or carbon dioxide is used to shield the molten weld pool from oxygen and moisture.
Stick Welding
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), stick welding uses a consumable electrode coated in flux to join metals together. The flux coating vaporizes when heated, producing a shielded gas that protects the weld. The flux forms a layer of slag over the weld that protects it as it cools.
Safety Practices
The Welding program at Tidewater Tech takes safety seriously and teaches you proper technique with welding gear to protect you from hazards like burns, toxic fumes, and eye damage. While you are learning to weld, you will use personal protective equipment (PPE) like a welding helmet, goggles, gloves, boots, and respiratory protections. Plus, part of the curriculum focuses on first aid, so you are prepared for any emergencies. This will definitely set you up for success as a welder.
What is the Importance of Welding Certification?
Welding certification can help set you up for success as well. Some of the reasons you will be more successful with a welding certification include:
Increased Job Opportunities
Employers are looking for welders who have taken welder training; that take the trade seriously and have completed certification to prove proficiency and adherence to safety standards. Certification from American Welding Society will help set you up for success throughout your welding career.
Higher Salaries
As a certified welder, you can demand more benefits and compensation. It can also help you advance in your career if you want to move to master welder or become a welding inspector.
Career Progression Opportunities for Welders
With welding training and certification, you can be even more successful in your career with the following opportunities:
- Specialization: You can be even more successful and move into high-demand areas like aerospace, underwater welding, or robotic systems.
- Leadership: After welding training, you can progress to supervisory, quality control, or managerial roles.
- Engineering: You can also transition into welding engineering or process development with further education or experience.
Starting Your Welding Training at Tidewater Tech
Now that you know how to set yourself up for success with welding training, it is time to learn more about Tidewater Tech’s welding training program. Enjoy the experienced faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and job placement assistance that will get you started as a skilled welder.Contact us today to learn more about welding training.
